China Passes Controversial Cybersecurity Law

A highly controversial Chinese cybersecurity law, which has been opposed by foreign business groups, was passed by the country’s Parliament Monday and will take effect in June 2017, Reuters reports. Chinese officials have described it as an “objective need” but it is largely seen as a continuation of last year’s national security law that aims to secure and control all key network infrastructure and information systems.

In August, several global business groups sought changes to the law, on the grounds that it restricted online freedom. That petition had largely gone ignored.

Concerns remain regarding the final draft, which requires any organization considered a "critical information infrastructure operator" to store personal and business data in China, provide "technical support" to security agencies, and pass a national security review.

Meanwhile, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said the cybersecurity law was similar to those found in other countries and that it would not discriminate between foreign and Chinese companies.

Read more at Reuters.