Samuel leads our Technology, Data Protection & Cybersecurity practice. He has worked in both in-house and private practice roles within the TMT sectors for nearly 20 years and is regarded as a leading expert in these areas. He advises clients on a wide range of regulatory, commercial, and corporate matters, especially in the areas of data protection, cybersecurity, telecommunications, internet, media, social networking, hardware and software, technology procurement and transfer, distribution and licensing, and other technology-related matters.
Samuel has received many honors and much recognition for his work. Legal 500 describes Samuel as “probably one of the leading authorities on data protection” and “a respected expert in telecoms regulations”. Chambers and Partners finds him to be a “very effective” lawyer who “responds rapidly and is very client-oriented”. Who’s Who Legal commented that “Samuel Yang ranks highly among peers thanks to his in-depth knowledge of data protection and compliance, regulatory and contentious matters in the TMT sectors.”
Samuel’s clients include MNCs, large state-owned enterprises, leading Chinese internet companies, and startup technology companies.
Samuel is a regular contributor to many legal journals, and his publications on TMT, data protection, and cybersecurity laws in China are well-received and widely reproduced.
Representative Cases
Data Protection and Cybersecurity
• Advised a leading multinational theme parks and resorts company on matters involving Personal Information Protection Law, Data Security Law and Cybersecurity Law compliance, and other matters concerning data protection, cybersecurity, and telecom regulation.
• Advised a leading multinational logistics company on matters involving Personal Information Protection Law, Data Security Law and Cybersecurity Law compliance, and other matters concerning data protection, cyber security, and telecom regulation.
• Advised several leading multinational insurance and reinsurance companies on all aspects of data protection, including personal information protection, cybersecurity, data sharing, cross-border data transfers, and other matters.
• Advised a leading multinational semiconductor company on the Personal Information Protection Law, personal data protection, and cybersecurity compliance.
• Advised a leading multinational insurance company on Personal Information Protection Law and Data Security Law compliance, cross-border data transfers, and foreign technology regulations.
• Advised a systemically important multinational financial services group on Personal Information Protection Law compliance.
• Advised a leading multinational music corporation on comprehensive Personal Information Protection Law compliance.
• Advised an iconic US company on cross-border data transfer issues in an international lawsuit.
• Advised a leading PRC entertainment media company on Personal Information Protection Law compliance.
• Advised a leading multinational automobile company on Personal Information Protection Law, Data Security Law and Cybersecurity Law compliance, data protection issues, such as privacy-friendly software GUI designs, privacy policies, terms of use, gap analyses, compliance solutions, and other matters.
• Advised a leading multinational logistics company on Personal Information Protection Law compliance, cross-border data transfers, and personal information protection impact assessments.
• Advised a leading multinational automobile manufacturer on connected cars, cybersecurity, personal information, and data protection issues.
• Advised a leading PRC ride-hailing company on mapping compliance matters.
• Advised a leading multinational automobile manufacturer on cybersecurity and data protection issues.
• Advised a leading global software company on personal information and data protection compliance.
• Advised a leading global genetics company on its collection and use of human genetic data.
• Advised a leading global telecom company on Personal Information Protection Law compliance.
• Advised a leading global internet company on building its internal data protection framework in the internet insurance sector.
• Advised a leading global IT company on cross-border data transfers and cybersecurity issues.
• Advised a leading multinational IT company on telecom, connected vehicle and algorithm compliance, and cybersecurity and personal information protection issues.
• Advised a leading global mobile advertising technology company on its collection and use of personal smartphone information.
• Advised a leading global food-products corporation on contractual clauses regarding data sharing, entrusted processing, third-party program plug-in, and other matters.
• Advised a leading global electronics manufacturer on Personal Information Protection Law compliance matters related to its website, mobile applications, mini-programs, and other matters.
• Advised a leading global optical and imaging equipment manufacturer on cybersecurity, personal information and data protection issues.
• Advised a leading multinational electronics and imaging equipment manufacturer on personal information protection, cross-border data transfers, and Cybersecurity Law compliance.
• Advised a leading global medical device manufacturer on its software privacy policies, privacy-friendly UI designs, and personal information consent clauses.
• Advised a leading multinational telecom company on acquiring telecom licenses in China.
• Advised a leading PRC big data mining and analytics company on data protection compliance issues.
• Advised a leading UK retail company on its privacy policies in China.
• Advised a leading global smartphone company on regulatory issues concerning data centers and cloud services in China.
• Advised a leading global IT company on a connected vehicle project with an automobile manufacturer.
• Advised a leading global IT services company in a multimillion-dollar dispute against a top Chinese state-owned enterprise.
• Advised a leading global high-technology cable and systems company on a cooperation and licensing agreement with a Chinese factory.
• Advised a leading global telecom company on a smart hospital project with a leading Chinese hospital.
Compliance and Investigation
• Advised the National Development and Reform Commission on drafting the Guidance on Compliance Management of Overseas Operations of Enterprises.
• Advised a leading global IT company on compliance issues arising from selling products to state-owned enterprises.
• Assisted a leading global pharmaceutical company in an internal investigation against its senior officials for misconduct.
• Assisted a leading global software company in an investigation against its sales personnel.
• Advised a leading global logistics company on comprehensive compliance matters.
• Advised a leading global IT company on drafting its code of conduct.
• Advised an Australian medical device company on designing its code of conduct and anti-bribery policies.
• Advised an Italian luxury goods company on designing its China-specific gift and hospitality policy.
Honors & Recognition
Data Protection & Cyber Security
Band 1 Lawyer: Data Protection & Privacy – Chambers and Partners (2023)
Leading Individual: Data Protection – Legal 500 (2021/2022/2023)
National Leader (China Mainland and Hong Kong) – Data, Who’s Who Legal (2021/2022/2023)
Leading Individual: Cyber Security & Data Protection, LEGALBAND (2019/2020/2021/2022)
TMT (Technology, Media and Telecom)
Band 1 Lawyer: TMT – Chambers and Partners (2023)
Leading Individual: TMT – Legal 500 (2020/2021/2022/2023)
Global Leader: Telecoms and Media – Who’s Who Legal (2021/2022/2023)
In addition, the team that he leads has won the following accolades:
Band 1 Law Firm: TMT – Chambers and Partners (2023)
PRC Firm: Data Protection & Privacy – Chambers and Partners (2023)
PRC Firm: Data – Legal 500 (2021/2022/2023)
PRC Firm: TMT – Legal 500 (2020/2021/2022/2023)
Leading Cybersecurity and Data Protection Law Firm (LEGALBAND, 2019/2020/2021/2022)
Data Protection & Privacy Award (China Business Law Journal, 2019/2021)
Working Experience
AnJie Broad Law Firm, Partner
DLA Piper, Senior Associate
CMS Cameron McKenna, Senior Associate
British Telecom, Head of Legal, China
Qualifications
Chinese Bar Qualification
