China Issues Regulations on Managing Data for State-Owned Cultural Heritage

Key summary

On July 6, 2026, China's National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) issued the 'Measures for Managing Information on State-Owned Cultural Heritage Resources.' The regulations classify such data as fundamental and strategic resources, establishing a framework for collection, processing, storage, transmission, registration, and service. Data services are restricted to processed, high-quality, non-secret information that does not affect security, with three usage categories: public disclosure, research/education, and commercial use. Commercial activities require case-by-case negotiation of scope and fees with data management bodies. On July 28, 2026, Global Times reported on these measures, citing NCHA officials who aim to transform cultural heritage data from museum 'safe rooms' into an economic driver while enforcing a principle of 'minimal intervention' for the protection of artifacts and sites.