Apple hiring manager in Beijing to handle China government data requests

Apple is hiring a head of law enforcement in Beijing to deal with user data requests from the government, according to a public job listing, after it last month began storing private data on Chinese soil for the first time.

According to the job listing, posted on professional networking site LinkedIn, the position will handle the "increasing number of third-party requests for access to Apple controlled data within China."

The hiring of a head of law enforcement demonstrates the trade-off that comes with placing data storage within China, a move some technology companies avoid. Having a server in the country can provide faster service to domestic customers, but it also means the government can demand those servers' data, as is the case in other countries.

"The role will be directly responsible for the management, handling and issuance of appropriate responses to requests from law enforcement authorities, public prosecutors, and courts etc throughout China," said the posting on LinkedIn.

Apple declined to comment, but referred to the company's new privacy policy including a section on government data requests.

According to the Apple posting, the candidate would need to "educate requesters as to the data that can and cannot be supplied in particular circumstances while maintaining good working relations with requesters".