Apple unveils iCloud data centre

Shanghai: Apple has unveiled plans to build a data centre in China to store its local iCloud customers´ personal details, marking the first such move by a foreign technology firm following the imposition of strict new cyber-security laws in the country.

The US titan said it was partnering with an internet service provider in southwestern Guizhou province on the project, which will "improve the speed and reliability of our products and services while also complying with newly passed regulations."

It appeared to be referring to the June 1 implementation of a new law that, among other things, requires tech companies to store user data inside the country. Some foreign firms have said the law is worryingly vague on key provisions and expressed concern over the potential impact on their business in the world´s second-largest economy.

The law also further tightens Chinese curbs on web content, banning the publishing of anything that "disturbs economic or social order" or is aimed at overthrowing the government. But Apple issued a statement seeking to allay fears that data-security could somehow be monitored or compromised by China´s government or other parties.

"Apple has strong data privacy and security protections in place and no backdoors will be created into any of our systems," it said in the statement released Wednesday. The firm did not give any financial details of the project, but China´s state-run Xinhua news agency said it was part of a $1 billion investment.