AI Regulation in China
China regulates AI through a series of targeted rules, mostly administered by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The Algorithm Recommendation Provisions have applied since 1 March 2022, and the Deep Synthesis Provisions since 10 January 2023. The Interim Measures for Generative AI Services took effect on 15 August 2023.
Filing and security assessment duties are targeted. Services with public opinion attributes or social mobilisation capability must file their algorithms and complete security assessments. Since 1 September 2025, the AI content labelling measures require visible labels and metadata labels on AI-generated content. Measures on AI companions and other emotional interaction services took effect on 15 July 2026.
Policy in China is still developing. Implementation opinions on AI agents, issued in May 2026, set principles but no penalties, and a national AI law has been under discussion. China's rules put weight on content control and national security, so companies serving users in China usually need a compliance program separate from their EU or US work.
Key themes
- 1.Algorithm filing and security assessments for influential services
- 2.Labelling rules for AI-generated content since September 2025
- 3.Generative AI and emotional companion AI measures
- 4.Content control and national security priorities
Regulatory frameworks and guidance(8)
China AI Standardization White Paper (CESI, 2021 edition)
Chinese standards authorities issued this non-binding policy document to map AI standards work. It identifies priorities and outlines planned national and international standardization efforts.
China Algorithm Recommendation Regulations
China's dedicated regulation on recommendation algorithms covers internet services operating in China or targeting Chinese users. Providers must meet transparency, user-control, and content-moderation duties.
China Deep Synthesis Regulations
China's deep synthesis provisions regulate deep synthesis internet information services provided within China. They cover AI-generated or manipulated text, images, audio, video, and virtual humans. Duties include labeling, filing, security assessments, and content moderation.
China Draft AI Law
China is developing a proposed national AI law. It would establish legal duties for AI development, deployment, and governance across sectors.
China's Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services
China’s Interim Measures for Generative AI Services cover providers serving the Chinese public. They impose duties for training data governance, content safety, algorithmic transparency, and registration.
Implementation Opinions on the Standardized Application and Innovative Development of Intelligent Agents
Three Chinese regulators released these Implementation Opinions on 8 May 2026, China's first policy framework dedicated to AI agents. The document is a policy framework rather than a binding regulation. It sets principles on user control and agent authority, with filing, compliance testing, and recall expected in sensitive sectors.
China's Interim Measures for Artificial Intelligence Anthropomorphic Interactive Services
China's Interim Measures for AI Anthropomorphic Interactive Services took effect on 15 July 2026. They cover AI services offering continuous emotional interaction that imitates a person's personality, thinking, and communication style. Providers must avoid fostering emotional dependence, protect minors and older users, and complete assessments and filing.
China's Measures for Labelling AI-Generated and Synthetic Content
China's labelling measures require AI-generated and synthetic content shown to users in China to carry labels. Visible labels are needed in many cases, and implicit labels must be embedded in file metadata. Platforms must check for labels and add notices to AI-generated content.