Four Things to Know About China’s Big Changes to Data Collection Rules

“Data is the new oil” has become the mantra in an increasingly digitalized world and nowhere is that more evident than in China. The world’s most-populous nation has embraced technology with gusto — e-commerce is the new High Street and smartphones are the new purses, wallets and bank cards. The digital footprints of consumers and businesses are valuable commodities in high demand by everyone from advertisers and consumer goods companies to banks, online lending platforms and, inevitably, criminals.