The South China Morning Post reported on 20 October that China has created a new state-owned company to handle the country's data. It is called National Data Group Co and is based in Xiongan New Area, in northern Hebei province. Citing state news agency Xinhua, the paper said the firm's job is to develop and use data resources, serve AI work, and grow a data industry. Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the launch event on Tuesday. Xinhua quoted him calling the step a major strategic decision by party leaders under President Xi Jinping.
The name, location, stated purpose and launch attendee are known. Much else is not. The reports do not say how much money the firm has, who will run it, or how many staff it will have. They also do not say which data it will hold or how outside companies could get access. No dates for services or products were given. Ding, as quoted by Xinhua, said the firm was important for China to take the lead in AI and build its digital economy.
For teams that build, run or buy data and AI software, this is a new state-owned body with a stated role in China's AI data supply. How it will deal with private firms has not been said, so the practical effect is still open.