New rules target international travel, internet companies in bid to protect sensitive information

  • China tightens rules on protection of confidential information amid rising espionage concerns
  • New regulations require state agencies to draft lists of state secrets and ensure personnel receive permission for international travel
  • Internet companies must establish mechanisms for detecting and dealing with leaks of sensitive info
  • Rules underscore Xi Jinping’s counterespionage campaign amid intensifying geopolitical competition with the US and other Western powers

China is tightening its grip on the protection of confidential information amid rising concerns over espionage and global tensions. The new regulations require state agencies to draft lists of state secrets related to their areas of responsibility and ensure that personnel who handle classified information receive permission and undergo confidentiality training before traveling abroad. Internet companies, as part of the ‘network operators’ category, must establish mechanisms for detecting and dealing with leaks of confidential information and cooperate with authorities in investigations and regulatory actions related to state secrets. The updated rules underscore a sweeping counterespionage campaign launched by Chinese leader Xi Jinping and take effect on September 1st.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about China’s new regulations on the protection of confidential information and its efforts to strengthen national security. It discusses the updated state-secrets law, the requirements for state agencies and internet companies, and the reasons behind these changes. The article is not sensational or misleading, and it does not include any personal opinions or bias.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about China’s new regulations on protecting confidential information and the government’s efforts to prevent espionage and safeguard national security. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or actionable insights for readers and does not offer significant new knowledge beyond summarizing the changes in the state-secrets law.
Key People: Xi Jinping (Chinese leader)

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Internet companies in China
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses new Chinese regulations impacting internet companies, specifically those defined as ‘network operators’, which require them to establish mechanisms for detecting and dealing with leaks of confidential information and cooperate with authorities in investigations related to state secrets. This could potentially affect their operations and financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com