E-commerce contributed to the growth of big data industry in China. (Photo : Reuters)
Data experts are seeking for better protection to ensure data security, as nearly 13 percent of the world’s online data now come from China.
The experts made the call at the "China Big Data Industry Summit & China E-commerce Innovation and Development Summit" in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou Province, where big data was discussed, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
"Big data is a double-edged sword. It can be huge business, but also increases risks," according to Qi Xiangdong, president of Qihoo 360, China's leading Internet security service provider.
"You can control your oven and washing machine remotely through your smartphone," Qi added. "However, if someone can gain access to your information on the cloud, they can, for example, make your washing machine operate at its maximum speed and temperature."
In recent years, data production grew in China with the information technology earning more than 18 trillion yuan ($2.76 trillion) in 2015 and the total volume of e-commerce transaction reaching more than 20 trillion yuan.
According to Lin Nianxiu, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, China's big data industry is expected to grow by 50 percent every year in the next five years. He also estimated that by 2020, about 20 percent of the world's total data volume will come from China.
"China aims to lead in the data resource sector, and establish itself as a global data hub," Lin said.
But industry observers warned of the lack of regulation and supervision when it comes to the collection, storage, management and use of data at present.
"For example, the law does not clearly define the value and property of data in some areas, which could allow data collectors to hide their true motives," Lu Wei, secretary-general of the Internet Society of China, said.
According to Lu, the government vowed to speed up the passage of laws that will boost data infrastructure as well as curb unlawful online activities, which include fraud, infringement of privacy, data abuse and identity theft.
Meanwhile, Wu Hequan, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, noted that more than 16 percent of Chinese websites are exposed to attack as big data is the target of hackers.
"Internet service providers usually have a large number of clients, and they should be responsible for the security of the data, but we shall not count on their self-discipline. They must also improve technology and better manage data," Wu added.
