China launches World Data Organization to address global data governance
A new international platform based in Beijing aims to support cooperation on data governance, economic use of data, and cross-border data flows.
China has announced the establishment of the World Data Organization (WDO), a new international, non-governmental platform focused on global data governance and development.
The organisation was formally launched in Beijing, where its inaugural assembly adopted a charter, appointed leadership, and outlined initial priorities. These include capacity building, regulatory cooperation, and technological collaboration.
The WDO is presented as a multistakeholder forum, bringing together governments, industry, and other actors to discuss how data is used and regulated. Its stated objectives include addressing differences in access to data across countries, supporting the digital economy, and enabling cooperation on data-related rules.
The initiative addresses a gap in global governance structures. While data is covered in various international forums, there is currently no single organisation dedicated exclusively to issues such as data governance, economic value, security, and cross-border data flows in a unified way.
