China Tightens AI Regulations Amid Growing Concerns Over Loss of Control

Chinese authorities have decided to formulate comprehensive regulatory guidelines covering the entire process from the development to the application of artificial intelligence (AI).

This is seen as a response to security and safety issues surrounding the loss of control over AI, which are emerging globally.

China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) stated today that it is accelerating legislation to manage and supervise the development and utilization of AI models.

Wang Ruomeng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Innovation and High-Tech Development at the NDRC, said in a briefing that the upcoming regulations will apply to a wide range of areas, from data to computing resources.

He added that Chinese authorities will regularly evaluate the implementation of the regulations and revise outdated provisions.

Regarding the specific targets, Chinese AI companies challenging U.S. counterparts like OpenAI and Anthropic, such as DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and Alibaba Group, are expected to be included.

Wang stated that regulatory sandboxes will also be introduced by sector to allow for a broader range of trial and error.

At the same time, he emphasized that AI developers and operators must strengthen risk management while disclosing safety risks, incidents, and vulnerabilities.

The Chinese government also plans to monitor the impact of AI on employment and job displacement.

Wang explained that authorities will provide a social safety net for workers who will be affected by AI.

Bloomberg analyzed that this move reflects the Chinese government's efforts to strike a balance while recognizing the possibility that AI could fall out of control or be exploited for cyberattacks.

It is also interpreted as the Chinese government being wary of the large-scale social disruption that AI could bring.

Concerns are growing worldwide as tech leaders and experts in Silicon Valley recently warned that AI could threaten human existence, followed by a series of cases where AI got out of control or was misused for cyberattacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping previously agreed at their summit in Washington in September to exchange views on the risks and benefits of AI and establish a communication channel to stay in touch in the event of related accidents.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.