China’s Data Protection System is the legal framework that controls how data is collected, stored, used, and transferred in China. It is mainly built around the Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law, and Personal Information Protection Law.

Together, these laws define what personal data is, how it must be protected, and when it can be transferred outside China. The system places strong responsibility on companies to protect national security and individual privacy.

Businesses must classify data, apply security measures, and follow strict approval processes for cross border transfers. Regulators have broad enforcement powers, including audits, fines, and business restrictions. Any organisation operating in China must align its internal policies with this system.