Apple announces to store cloud data in China to meet new cybersecurity law

The US tech firm Apple has announced to build up its first data centre in China in partnership with local internet service firm to store iCloud data, following implementation of China’s new cyber security law.

The new cyber security law, which came into effect on June 1, demands foreign firms to store data of Chinese citizens--including personal information, salary details and more-- within the country.

Apple will be the first foreign firm to implement China’s new law. According to reports, the data centre will be built in the southern province of Guizhou with data management company Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Industry Co Ltd (GCBD).

"The addition of this data center will allow us to improve the speed and reliability of our products and services while also complying with newly passed regulations," Apple told Reuters.

"These regulations require cloud services be operated by Chinese companies so we're partnering with GCBD to offer iCloud," it added.