Artificial Intelligence · China
Artificial Intelligence - China
China regulates AI through a series of binding, use-specific administrative measures issued chiefly by the CAC rather than a single comprehensive statute. In force are the Algorithm Recommendation Provisions (2022), Deep Synthesis Provisions (2023), Interim Measures for Generative AI Services (2023), and mandatory AI-content labeling rules (effective September 2025). In 2026 the State Council formally placed a comprehensive, unified AI law on its legislative work plan, signaling a shift from the current sectoral approach toward consolidated legislation that has not yet been enacted.
The Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services, issued by the CAC with six other regulators on July 10, 2023, took effect August 15, 2023 as China's first binding rules on generative AI; services with 'public opinion attributes or social mobilization capabilities' must complete security assessments and algorithm filing.
The Provisions on the Administration of Deep Synthesis Internet Information Services, jointly adopted by the CAC, MIIT and Ministry of Public Security on November 25, 2022, entered into force January 10, 2023, governing deepfakes and synthetic media and requiring algorithm filing and conspicuous labeling.
The Provisions on the Administration of Algorithmic Recommendation in Internet Information Services, released by the CAC on December 31, 2021, took effect March 1, 2022, establishing an algorithm filing regime and rules on recommendation transparency and user rights.
The CAC released the Measures for Labeling AI-Generated Synthetic Content and the mandatory national standard GB 45438-2025 on March 14, 2025, both effective September 1, 2025, requiring explicit and implicit (metadata) labels on AI-generated text, images, audio, video and virtual scenes.
China's State Council placed a comprehensive, unified AI law on its 2026 legislative work plan, pledging to 'accelerate comprehensive legislation' covering data, computing power, algorithms, data property rights, cybersecurity and supply-chain security; the law is not yet enacted.
The State Council's August 2025 'Opinions on Deepening the Artificial Intelligence+ Initiative' set national integration objectives, and in April 2026 the CAC released draft Interim Measures on Human-like Interactive AI Services addressing chatbot and AI-companion risks for public consultation.
Machine-assisted translation · verified 5/23/2026 · orientation, not legal advice. English version →