IN response to media reports on alleged data collection involving prominent people around the world by Shenzhen-based Zhenhua Data, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said Wednesday that the reports were untrue, citing a company statement.

The company has stated that it is a private company and does not collect data but only engages in data aggregation, and all of the relevant information is from public sources, Wang told a daily press conference Wednesday.

Recently, the company was reported to have collected information, including sensitive and private data such as psychological profiles of more than 35,000 Australians. The reports also alleged Zhenhua Data has ties with the Chinese military.

“There is nothing about the operations that are illegal or unreasonable,” a representative surnamed Sun from Zhenhua Data told the Global Times, adding the allegations are a “pure exaggeration,” and relevant information it operates are all obtained from open sources.

Zhenhua Data was established in April 2018. All of its partners are people without backgrounds in the Chinese military or the government, according to Sun.

“China is a staunch defender of cybersecurity. The country has consistently opposed and severely cracked down on all types of cybercrimes,” Wang reaffirmed, adding that China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with other countries to build “a peaceful, safe, open and cooperative cyberspace.”

China launched a global data security initiative in recent days, aiming to safeguard the security of global data and supply chains, as well as pushing forward the development of the digital economy, Wang noted.

“This initiative is winning positive responses from more and more countries,” the spokesperson said.  (Global Times)