China urges automakers to strengthen data protection

The Chinese government has asked automakers to strengthen data security and store key data generated locally in the country. 

According to a new policy published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on its website, automakers are required to export critical data and obtain regulatory approvals for both before updating in-car systems. The policy does not include punishment lines for companies failing to comply with the rules.

It comes amid China's push to ensure the security of data generated by connected vehicles as the proliferation of smart cars such as Teslas fuel concerns about national security, in line with its broader aim to tighten policies around privacy.

China released the second version of a draft personal information protection law in April, which calls on tech platforms to take tougher measures to ensure the secure storage of user data.

In September it will implement its data protection law, which requires companies processing "critical data" to conduct risk assessments and submit reports.