On the morning of October 10, the State Council Information Office hosted a press conference focusing on the development and utilization of public data resources. Liu Liehong, the head of the National Data Bureau, highlighted the importance of regulating the authorized operation of these resources and stressed the need for targeted institutional designs. He outlined specific requirements for authorization entities, operational institutions, and regulatory mechanisms.
The day before, on October 9, a document titled “Opinions on Accelerating the Development and Utilization of Public Data Resources” was released by the General Offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, which has caught the attention of various sectors of society.
When reporters asked how to ensure equal participation and fair competition for different operating entities involved in the authorized operation of public data, Liu acknowledged the rising interest among many stakeholders. He explained that this method, which has been tested in various regions and departments, has resulted in different models—such as overall authorization, sector-specific authorization, and scenario-based authorization—each with distinct characteristics. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including unclear rules and procedures, ambiguous lines of responsibility, and a lack of operational transparency, all of which could jeopardize fair competition.
To tackle these concerns, the “Opinions” explicitly call for standardized operations regarding public data resources and advocate for institutional designs that clearly define the responsibilities and obligations of authorization entities, operational institutions, and regulatory mechanisms.
Specifically, Liu urged local regions and departments to improve the overall management of authorized operations by integrating them into their decision-making processes. Authorities need to specify which data can be authorized, determine the appropriate authorization models, set clear limits on operational terms and exit strategies, and establish safety management responsibilities for all involved parties.
Moreover, the actions of operational institutions must be regulated. Liu emphasized that these institutions must comply with authorization requirements and deliver market services equitably while prohibiting any unauthorized data use outside the agreed parameters. He was clear on the need for operational institutions to avoid monopolistic behaviors, such as colluding with other entities or abusing their market position, and to refrain from engaging in unfair competitive practices.
The “Opinions” also underline the necessity of a comprehensive supervisory framework. Data management institutions are expected to fulfill their regulatory responsibilities, ensuring that authorized institutions operate lawfully. Additionally, local regions and departments must submit reports on resource development and utilization to auditing bodies, embracing audit oversight. A disclosure mechanism for the operation of authorized public data resources is also required, calling for operational institutions to publicly share their data product and service capabilities while revealing their data usage to enhance societal scrutiny.
Liu expressed hope that these institutional designs would facilitate the exploration of authorized operations and help establish a regulatory framework for standardized practices and multifaceted oversight, ultimately fostering an open, fair, and equitable environment for developing and utilizing public data resources.
