China’s new big data research centre dedicated to sustainability has officially opened its doors, adding a new tool to Beijing’s efforts to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals while the government is also ramping up efforts to control other types of digital data. Chinese President Xi Jinping first announced plans for the International Research Centre of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals last September at the UN General Assembly. Since then, Beijing has passed two new laws governing data security and personal information, juxtaposing China’s desire to tightly control data at home while welcoming international collaboration. To help meet…