China's AI Revolution: New Law Signals Major Tech Governance Shift

China is developing a comprehensive law on artificial intelligence, a move that indicates the country is accelerating its AI governance. A legislative work plan from the State Council outlines plans to improve AI governance and accelerate comprehensive legislation. The government intends to refine legislation concerning data protection, computing power, algorithms, property rights, cybersecurity, and supply chains. This marks the first time Chinese authorities have used such detailed language to describe planned AI legislation. The National People’s Congress has also listed AI legislation for review for the third year in a row. Experts say the new wording highlights China’s urgency to establish a legal framework. The term “comprehensive legislation” suggests that the authorities will consider many elements, including data, algorithms, and cybersecurity. China first proposed an AI law in 2017, with a target set of laws, ethics, and policies by 2030. Since then, rules on AI-related safety and ethics have been introduced. AI-related businesses have surged in China, encouraged by local governments. However, concerns remain over the risks posed by AI, with President Xi Jinping emphasizing the need for AI to be safe and controllable. Industry insiders agree that the legal system has fallen behind the rapid development of AI. Globally, comprehensive AI laws are still rare. The EU’s AI Act categorizes AI applications by risk, while Japan has clarified the responsibilities of