The Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a warning regarding foreign mapping companies that use cryptocurrency rewards to incentivize individuals within China to collect sensitive geographical data. This activity poses a threat to national security as it involves the unauthorized collection and transmission of this information to servers located outside of China. The MSS is particularly concerned when targeted areas offering high rewards are involved, as this attracts collectors to sensitive locations.
Risk of sensitive information leaks and national security threat
The MSS’s concern stems from the increasing use of advanced technologies like big data, which improve navigation precision but also raise the risk of sensitive information leaks. Unauthorized data collection poses a significant threat to national security as foreign entities could analyze and process leaked information, including traffic networks, infrastructure, and military facilities.
Measures taken against illegal data collection and smuggling
Geographical spatial information data plays an integral role in economic and social development, making the leakage of sensitive information highly dangerous. To counteract this threat, Chinese national security authorities are collaborating with relevant departments to take action against domestic and foreign individuals and enterprises involved in illegal data collection and smuggling. The aim is to prevent the outflow of such data and mitigate the risks associated with data leaks.
Violation of Chinese laws and safeguarding national security
The MSS emphasizes that collecting and transmitting geographical spatial information data without the necessary qualifications for mapping services in China may violate various Chinese laws. This includes the Counter-Espionage Law, the Surveying and Mapping Law, and the Data Security Law. The statement underscores the close link between geographical spatial information data and national security, highlighting efforts to protect China’s sovereignty, security, and developmental interests from unauthorized data collection activities by foreign companies and individuals lacking the proper mapping qualifications within China.
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