Privacy Concerns: Chinese Tech Firms Under Scrutiny in Europe

Several Chinese tech companies, including TikTok, Shein, and Xiaomi, have been named in a privacy complaint filed by the Austrian advocacy group Noyb (None of your business). The complaint alleges that these companies have been unlawfully transferring personal data of EU users to China, potentially violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Noyb, known for its previous actions against American tech giants, is seeking to suspend data transfers to China and impose penalties that could reach up to 4% of the firms’ global revenue. The complaint has been filed in multiple EU countries, including Greece, Belgium, and Austria.

The companies named in the complaint, including AliExpress and WeChat, are accused of sending personal data to China or other undisclosed countries. Chinese authorities have denied any violations of local laws regarding data collection.

The controversy has reignited concerns over the adequacy of data protection practices in China, especially given the country’s surveillance policies. The issue also raises important questions about the legality of cross-border data transfers under the EU’s strict data privacy laws.

For further details, please read the full article on Reuters.