China’s cyberspace regulator said on Saturday that any company with data of more than 1 million users must undergo a security review before listing its shares overseas. The decision is a part of China broadening clampdown on its large “platform economy”. 

The security review would put a focus on risks of data being affected, controlled or manipulated by foreign governments after overseas listings, said the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). 

China’s cyberspace regulators are imposing tighter restrictions on data collection and data storage, while authorities more broadly are pushing for companies to list domestically. 

Saturday’s announcement will also require firms to submit the IPO materials they plan to file for review. The CAC is seeking public opinion on the rules. 

The notice comes after Chinese authorities launched a probe of ride-hailing giant Didi Global for allegedly violating user privacy just days after its listing in New York. 

Didi’s shares plunged by 20 per cent on news of the probe, and the company said that its revenue would be affected.