China begins internet security checks in government departments

China will begin checking computer systems used in government departments to protect "sensitive data". The checks would target technology that is important to national security and the public interest, according to the State Council Information Office, Xinhua reported. It accused a small number of governments and businesses of "taking advantage of technological monopolies to collect sensitive data on a large scale" from the Chinese government, business and institutions, adding that there have been large-scale security breaches. The US recently charged five Chinese army officers with cyber spying and stealing trade secrets, sparking outrage from China.