China: Proposes New Rules to Ensure Complete Erasure of Personal Data from Electronic Devices

China’s top internet regulator is working on a new national standard that would require all consumer electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops to fully erase users’ personal data before they are resold, recycled, or discarded.

On 14 July 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released a draft regulation titled “Data Security Technology Technical Requirements of Electronic Product Information Erasure” and is now seeking public feedback.

The proposal explains how personal data should be securely wiped from electronic devices. It covers everything from apps and photos to system settings and encrypted data. The goal is to ensure that no trace of a user’s personal information remains after a device changes hands.

Key points include:

• Devices must use secure deletion methods like data overwriting to erase:

  • Installed apps and their private data

  • Shared files between apps

  • Photos, videos, and documents

  • Cached files and backups

  • System settings customized by the user

  • ID information and encryption keys

• Manufacturers would be required to offer a one click erase option that securely removes all user data in line with the new standards.

• Companies involved in recycling electronics must also ensure data is fully erased from returned devices.

The CAC says that all deletion tools and methods must be verified for effectiveness under the proposed guidelines.

This move is part of China’s broader push to strengthen data privacy and protect consumers in the digital age. The public can submit comments on the draft before it is finalized.

For more information, please refer to the official press release here