AI race: US warned against copying China’s data playbook

The United States needs a clear national data strategy for the AI era, but it should not copy China’s approach, analysts say. Washington is under pressure to keep its edge in artificial intelligence. Data — the fuel for AI systems — is at the center of that competition. China’s model gives the state broad control over data. Companies must follow strict rules on how data is collected, stored, and shared. The government can direct data to serve national goals. That system has helped China scale AI quickly. But it comes with heavy state oversight and limited private-sector freedom. The US has a different starting point. Data is largely held by private companies. There is no single national framework for how data is governed. Critics say this leaves the US without a coordinated plan. They argue the country needs a strategy that speeds up AI development while protecting privacy and security. But copying China is not the answer, experts warn. A state-first model could hurt innovation and raise civil-liberties concerns. Instead, they say the US should focus on rules that encourage data sharing, protect users, and keep the market open. The debate is urgent. AI is advancing fast, and data policy will shape who leads the next wave of technology.