China will establish over 100 trusted data spaces by 2028 and develop a series of data space solutions and best practices, according to an action plan released by the National Data Administration of China on Saturday.
A trusted data space is a data circulation and utilization infrastructure that connects multiple parties based on consensus rules, enabling the shared use of data resources.
"For example, a city generates a vast amount of traffic data involving data owners, providers, users, and developers. Many of these data require preprocessing, which the receiving parties may not always have the capability to handle. This is where a platform, referred to as a trusted data space, becomes essential. It facilitates data resource retrieval and utilization, provides an environment for data development and application, and ensures security guarantees," said Wu Hequan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
The action plan proposes launching initiatives to cultivate and promote trusted data spaces, focusing on the development and application of five types: enterprise, industry, city, personal, and cross-border trusted data spaces.
According to an expert, this can create new opportunities in the data industry.
"The construction of trusted data spaces will enable more data resources to flow freely, fostering the growth of various enterprises specializing in data processing, hosting, and services. This will lead to a more vibrant and prosperous data industry ecosystem," said Liu Mo, director of the Institute of Information and Industrialization Integration of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT).
China to establish over 100 trusted data spaces by 2028
John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), announced on Friday that an independent committee will have nine months to investigate the Wang Fuk Court fire that occurred in late November.
The fire, which erupted on November 26 in Tai Po, has claimed 160 lives as of 16:00 Tuesday, with six people still reported missing, according to authorities.
At a press conference, Lee said the committee will be led by Judge David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, and will also include Legislative Council Finance Committee Chairman Chan Kin-por and outgoing MTR Corporation Chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen.
"Nine months is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible. So I want to give what I regard as a time frame -- realistic -- provided the independent committee is given sufficient means to maneuver, while ensuring the examination is just. They can streamline procedure and be given more flexibility so that they can finish their work within the nine months. And I also have given them a reserve power. That is, if the independent committee considers, by examining all these complicated issues, there may be one which they think, by exercising the powers that is given to a statutory commissioner of inquiry, will help them complete their work, then I'm very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to seek appointing them as the commission of inquiry," Lee said.
Lee noted that the committee's investigation will focus on the causes and circumstances of the fire, and whether systemic issues exist in large-scale building management and renovation projects.
The committee will also examine whether the current regulations and penalties are sufficient in these two areas and will make relevant recommendations. The investigation reports are expected to be made public.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, David Lok stressed the need for fairness and impartiality in the investigation, saying that he would refrain from commenting on the investigation until the committee completes its work.
"During this period, I hope everyone understands that although this is a committee, I am leading this work in my capacity as a judge. Judges must also adhere to certain professional principles, including being fair and impartial. We need to conduct rational analysis based on facts before making any factual judgments or recommendations; we cannot be emotional. Furthermore, we cannot have a pre-established position. In fact, before every judge hears a case, we should ideally start with a blank slate and cannot have a predetermined stance," said Lok.
"So today, if you ask me for my views on certain matters or how we will conduct the investigation, I’m afraid I won't be able to answer as freely as I could when I was at the Electoral Affairs Commission. But I hope all media friends and residents understand that I do not wish to evade questions; it is simply that some questions at this stage are inappropriate for the committee chair to answer. Therefore, during the investigation, I do not expect to speak with you again until our work is completed," he said.
Investigation into Tai Po fire to conclude within nine months: HKSAR chief executive
