China
Vertical, use-case-specific binding rules with strong state steering and content controls
Regulatory posture
China regulates AI through a stack of targeted, enforceable rules — algorithm filings, deep-synthesis and generative-AI measures, and mandatory AI-content labeling since September 2025 — while a comprehensive AI law remains on the legislative agenda. Globally, Beijing is building an alternative governance pole via its Global AI Governance Action Plan and a Shanghai-based World AI Cooperation Organization.
Tracked
- In force4
- Signals4
Set last reviewed 5 September 2026
Next review 3 October 2026
Tracked instruments
- CN Content LabelingFrom September 2025, all AI-generated content in China must carry explicit labels (visible) and implicit labels (metadata), with platforms required to verify and re-label…Standards & AssuranceBiometrics & Surveillance
- CN Global Governance PushAt WAIC 2025 China launched a Global AI Governance Action Plan and proposed a Shanghai-headquartered World AI Cooperation Organization; a companion action plan on interna…Governance & ProcurementStandards & Assurance
- CN GenAI MeasuresThe world's first binding generative-AI regulation: public-facing GenAI services must undergo security assessment and algorithm filing, ensure training-data legality, lab…Frontier AI SafetyData & Privacy
- CN Deep SynthesisRegulates deepfake and synthetic-media technology: consent requirements for editing biometric features, conspicuous labeling of synthetic content, and filing duties for d…Biometrics & Surveillance
Signals
China enforces pre-development AI ethics review alongside its standards set
State media confirmed that the April 2026 ethics review measures are being applied — requiring review before AI research projects begin — with close to 200 national AI standards now in effect.
ContextChina releases international AI ethics governance action plan at WAIC 2026
Building on its 2025 Global AI Governance Action Plan and the proposed World AI Cooperation Organization, China extends its bid to shape multilateral AI ethics norms.
ContextChina's AI-content labeling measures take effect
All AI-generated content must carry explicit and implicit labels, with platform verification duties — the world's most comprehensive provenance mandate in operation.
China proposes World AI Cooperation Organization at WAIC
The Global AI Governance Action Plan and a Shanghai-based multilateral body mark China's most ambitious governance-export move.