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 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 Provisional Measures on the Administration of Human-like Interactive Artificial Intelligence Services (Draft for Public Comments) were released on 27 December 2025 to solicit public comment till 25 January 2026. The draft applies to AI services that present simulated human personality traits, thinking patterns and communication styles, and interact with users emotionally through text, images, audio, video or other means. It has a particular focus on addressing psychological risks by requiring providers to warn users against excessive use and to intervene when users show signs of addiction.
• 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.

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.