New National Standards Set for Data Erasure in Second-Hand Electronics
Summary:
- Data security is a growing concern as electronic device turnover increases.
- New national standards will enforce complete data clearance for second-hand electronics.
- Two primary methods for data erasure will be mandated starting January 1, 2027.
As of December 2, 2025, China has enacted a mandatory national standard titled "Technical Requirements for Information Clearance of Electronic Products on Data Security Technology." This regulation, governed by the Cyberspace Administration of China, aims to address the increasing risks of data leakage associated with second-hand electronic products. Official implementation is set for January 1, 2027.
With the rapid evolution of the digital economy, the frequency of electronic device upgrades—particularly mobile phones and computers—has soared. This shift has led to a surge in the circulation of second-hand electronics. However, the potential for data breaches due to insufficient data removal poses significant risks to both personal privacy and societal interests.
To mitigate these risks, the Central Cyberspace Administration proposed this standard as part of the broader "Action Plan for Promoting Large-Scale Equipment Updates and Trade-in of Consumer Goods." The goal is to standardize data erasure methods for electronic products in second-hand transactions, guiding recycling operators to adopt stringent data management practices. This initiative aligns with efforts to foster a sustainable, efficient second-hand electronics market.
Scope of the Standards
The "Technical Requirements" cover various electronic products with non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Desktop computers
- Smart wearable devices
Key Regulatory Mandates
Two crucial stipulations set forth by these standards include:
- User Consent: The unauthorized access or retention of user data is strictly prohibited.
- Restricted Resale: Electronic products that have not undergone complete data clearance cannot be resold or exported.
Traditional methods, such as basic deletion or factory resets, only label data as invalid, leaving it accessible through recovery methods. In stark contrast, the "Information Erasure" mandated by this regulation will ensure that all data is destroyed beyond recovery.
Core Data Erasure Methods
The "Technical Requirements" delineate two principal methods for achieving complete data erasure:
-
Data Overwriting: This technique involves writing nonsensical data—either fixed or random—over every unit of storage related to user data. For magnetic media, a minimum of three overwrites is required, including one using random data. Semiconductor media must undergo at least one overwrite.
- Block Erase: Applicable primarily to semiconductor storage, this method executes a foundational erase operation, directly interfacing with storage media instructions to eliminate data blocks.
Conclusion
With the implementation of these new standards, the second-hand electronics market is poised to undergo a transformative shift towards enhanced data security. By ensuring that user data is permanently erased before any resale, these regulations will foster consumer confidence and promote responsible electronic device recycling.
These measures not only protect individual privacy but also strengthen the integrity of the broader digital economy. The transition to these new standards heralds a significant advancement in the management of electronic waste and data security, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses alike.
