Mapping China and U.S. wall-building around genetic data

Against a backdrop of trade tensions, Chinese and U.S. regulators have been erecting regulatory frameworks to control foreign access to their populations’ genetic data. With China’s policies finalized and U.S. reforms taking shape piece by piece, companies have a shrinking window to advocate for regulations that address bipartisan national security concerns without choking innovation.

The last year has seen China and the U.S. launch regulations addressing concerns that predate both countries’ current administrations, but have become more acute in light of the escalating trade war and the growing availability and relevance of genetic data. Each side claims unrestricted access to its citizens’ genetic data will compromise its national security and economic interests...