China is stepping up efforts to strengthen data security, especially that to be provided overseas, by legislation to better regulate data processing and safeguard State and personal information security.

The Cyberspace Administration of China, the country"s top internet watchdog, unveiled on Wednesday a draft regulation on managing data related to automobiles, to intensify the protection of personal and other crucial data generated on the Chinese mainland.

The draft applies to operators that design, produce, sell, maintain the service of and manage automobiles on the mainland, when they collect, analyze, store, transmit, inquire about, use and delete personal information and key data.

It stipulates that individuals must agree to the collection of their personal data, and personal information or key data should be stored on the Chinese mainland. Data that is to be provided offshore must receive and pass data exit safety assessments by the nation"s cyberspace authorities.