There is no single comprehensive AI law in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Instead, rules relating to the use and deployment of AI are found in a number of specific laws, regulations and mandatory national standards that regulate different subcategories of AI technologies and services. These include:

• The Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services (GenAI Measures), which came into force on 15 August 2023 and are the first piece of generative AI-specific regulation for the PRC, regulating the development and application of generative AI technology. The GenAI Measures apply to the use of generative AI technology to provide services that generate contents (including any texts, images, audios, and videos) to the 'public within the PRC' (which has a very wide interpretation). The GenAI Measures outline service providers' obligations in various areas, including model training, content management, service management and user protection.
• The Administrative Provisions on Deep Synthesis in Internet-based Information Services (Deep Synthesis Provisions) came into force on 10 January 2023 and apply to the provision of internet-based information services using deep synthesis technologies within the PRC. Deep synthesis technology is broadly defined, and includes any technology that employs deep learning, virtual reality, or other algorithms that are synthetic or generative (such as text/Q&A generation, image generation and voice attribute editing). The Deep Synthesis Provisions impose compliance obligations on various players, including providers of deep synthesis services, providers of technical support for deep synthesis services and users of such services. Particularly, there is a requirement for deep synthesis service providers to verify the real identity of users (by way of mobile phone number, ID card number, unified social credit code or national online identity authentication services) before they can release the services to the users.
• The Administrative Provisions on Recommendation Algorithms in Internet-based Information Services of the Cyberspace Administration of China came into force on 1 March 2022 (Recommendation Algorithms Provisions) and apply to any entity that uses recommendation algorithm technologies to provide internet-based information services within PRC. This includes the use of algorithm technologies, including generation and synthesis technology, personalised pushing technology and ranking and selection technology, etc., to provide users with information. The Recommendation Algorithms Provisions also emphasise the protection of the user. Service providers are required to inform users about the provision of algorithm services, including the principles behind them, their intended purposes and how they operate.
• The Measures for the Labeling of Artificial Intelligence Generated and Synthesized Content (AIGC Labelling Measures) took effect on 1 September 2025. The AIGC Labelling Measures apply to online information service providers that offer AI generative and synthetic services. Such providers are required to add different types of explicit and/or implicit labels to AI-generated content based on contexts, and to restrict the dissemination of non-labelled content via their service platforms either by user terms or by implementing technical measures.
• The mandatory national standard the Cybersecurity Technology—Labelling Method for Content Generated by Artificial Intelligence (AIGC Labelling Standard) took effect on 1 September 2025. The AIGC Labelling Standard implements the AIGC Labelling Measures and sets out detailed standards, specifications, and operational procedures for labelling AI-generated content.
• The Interim Measures for the Administration of Humanised Artificial Intelligence Interactive Services were released by the CAC on 10 April 2026 and will take effect on 15 July 2026. The measures apply to AI services offered to the public in China that present simulated human personality traits, thinking patterns and communication styles, and interact with users emotionally through text, images, audio, video or other means. The measures have a particular focus on addressing psychological risks by requiring providers to identify user states, assess users’ emotions and their level of dependence on the service, warn users against excessive use and intervene when users show signs of addiction or extreme emotions. The measures also set content and conduct red lines, stating that services must not generate content that endangers national security, spreads rumours or promotes violence or obscenity. The measures also establish heightened protections for minors by categorically prohibiting service providers from offering virtual relatives, virtual companions, or other virtual intimate relationship services to any minor user. Service providers must make available a dedicated ‘minor mode’ offering customisable safety settings such as periodic reality reminders, usage time limits, and parental controls.
• The Amendment to the Cybersecurity Law took effect on 1 January 2026. A general clause on AI is introduced, stating that the government will improve ethical norms for AI while strengthening AI risk monitoring and assessment and safety oversight — potentially paving the way for further AI regulations.
• The Administrative Measures for Digital Virtual Avatars Information Services (Draft for Public Comments) were released by the CAC on 3 April 2026, with public comments sought until 6 May 2026. These measures apply to digital virtual avatar services offered to the public in China. It emphasises that service providers must protect personal information, the right to one’s likeness, the right to reputation, and intellectual property rights during processes such as modelling, image generation, and scene construction. Clear labels must be displayed on the interface where virtual avatars appear. The draft encourages industry self-regulation, innovation and adherence to social ethics. Additional sector-specific regulations may apply in sectors such as healthcare and finance.
• The Trial Measures for Ethical Review and Service of Artificial Intelligence Technology were issued on 3 April 2026 by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), in collaboration with ten government departments. These trial guidelines emphasise the need for technological innovation in AI ethics review and the implementation of technical measures to mitigate ethical risks associated with AI. Key review focuses include human well-being, fairness, justice, controllability and trustworthiness, while addressing specific issues such as training data selection criteria, algorithm rationality and measures to prevent bias and discrimination. The guidelines also promote the orderly open-sourcing of high-quality datasets, the development of risk management and auditing tools, and the encouragement of AI products that adhere to ethical standards and protect intellectual property rights.
• The Implementation Guidelines for Promoting the Standardised Application and Innovative Development of AI Agents were jointly issued by the CAC, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and MIIT on 8 May 2026. These guidelines apply to intelligent agents (defined as autonomous systems with capabilities in perception, memory, decision-making and execution) integrating advanced technologies such as large language models. The guidelines emphasise safety, controllability, innovation-driven growth and application-oriented traction, outlining four major areas of focus: consolidating development foundations, ensuring safety and security, promoting application-driven traction across 19 identified scenarios, and fostering an innovation ecosystem. The initiative seeks to enhance technological infrastructure, establish standards and drive the application of intelligent agents in sectors such as scientific research and public services, while ensuring compliance with ethical standards and promoting collaboration.

During the 2025 National People’s Congress, several delegates proposed the drafting of a specific AI law to address emerging risks, encourage innovation and establish a more consistent AI governance system. In particular, the possibility of classifying AI services into different risk categories and regulating them accordingly has been discussed.

The State Council’s 2026 Legislative Work Plan, approved by the CPC Central Committee and issued on 12 May 2026, expressly addresses AI legislation, stating that the government will ‘improve the governance of artificial intelligence, accelerate comprehensive legislation for the healthy development of artificial intelligence, and expedite the improvement of legislation to protect common elements of artificial intelligence such as data, computing power, algorithms, intellectual property rights, network security, and supply chain security, as well as to regulate key application scenarios’. This signals that comprehensive AI legislation is now a formally recognised priority, however specific details and timelines are yet to be revealed.