Archive · 25 Jul 2025
BlackRock Restricts Device Use in China Over Data Sovereignty
BlackRock, a major investment firm, is telling its employees not to use their work phones and laptops in China.
This is because China has new rules about data and security, making companies like BlackRock worried about protecting their information.
To stay safe, BlackRock employees traveling to China must use temporary devices instead of their regular ones.
This move shows how companies are changing their practices in China to deal with new rules and global tensions.
Other firms are doing the same, highlighting how important it is for businesses to adapt to these changes.
BlackRock employees are banned from using company devices or accessing the company network in China.
This policy, effective July 16, 2025, requires employees to use temporary loaner devices in China.
The move reflects increasing caution due to China's data sovereignty rules introduced in 2021.
BlackRock cited a need to recalibrate their risk posture across various operational aspects.
This policy follows similar moves in the financial industry and by tech companies like Amazon.
- Who
- BlackRock employees and the company itself.
- What
- BlackRock is implementing a new internal travel protocol in China.
- When
- Effective July 16, 2025.
- Where
- China
- Why
- Due to data sovereignty rules introduced by Beijing and increasing geopolitical volatility.
Chinese Government Stance
Western Company Stance
Data Sovereignty and Security
Chinese Government Stance
Data protection is critical for national security and sovereignty.
Western Company Stance
Companies may perceive the measures as restrictive and challenging to compliance.
- Company
- BlackRock
- Policy Date
- July 16, 2025
- Asset Management
- $10 trillion (global assets)
- Restriction
- Use of company-issued devices and network access
- Reason
- Data sovereignty concerns