cross-border data transfer
数据出境
The transfer or provision of data or personal information collected or generated in China to an overseas recipient, subject to China's applicable legal requirements.
Reader glossary
Glossary
Plain-English explanations of selected China data law terms, with related laws, standards, and article references.
personal information
个人信息
Information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, excluding anonymized information.
sensitive personal information
敏感个人信息
Personal information that may create higher risks to personal dignity or personal and property safety if leaked or misused.
personal information processor
个人信息处理者
A party that independently determines the purposes and methods of personal information processing under the PIPL.
important data
重要数据
A regulated data category that may trigger enhanced data security and cross-border transfer obligations depending on official identification rules and sectoral catalogues.
standard contract
标准合同
A China cross-border personal information transfer mechanism involving the prescribed standard contract and related filing requirements where applicable.
security assessment
安全评估
An assessment process used in several China data and cybersecurity contexts, including certain cross-border data transfer scenarios.
critical information infrastructure
关键信息基础设施
Important network facilities or information systems that may seriously affect national security, public interests, or people's livelihood if damaged or disrupted.