(Yicai) Oct. 23 — China’s top legislative body plans to add new provisions on artificial intelligence to the country’s basic law on online security, the Cybersecurity Law, to address risks and challenges arising from the rapid development of AI.
Wang Xiang, spokesperson for the Legislative Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, said in a press conference today that the proposed amendments include supporting AI basic research and key technology development, improving AI infrastructure, strengthening ethical standards, developing and strengthening AI safety regulations, and promoting the healthy development of the industry.
To keep up with rapid advances in information technology and evolving online threats, China launched its first ever cybersecurity law amendment earlier this year and is currently preparing a draft. Wang said the amendment will be considered at the 18th session of the 14th National People’s Congress Standing Committee to be held in Beijing from October 24 to 28.
Since the law took effect in 2016, China has made great strides in cybersecurity and informatization, contributing to the integration of the digital economy and the real economy. However, emerging technologies such as AI are creating new challenges as cybercrime takes on new forms, Wang said.
Apart from the new AI provisions, the draft law also aims to better align personal data protection with civil law and the Personal Information Protection Act, and improve penalties for certain violations, Wang added.
In recent years, China has strengthened its legal framework surrounding the digital economy, and in 2021 introduced a data security law and a personal information protection law. The Civil Code, which came into force in the same year, establishes clear legal responsibilities for the protection of personal data.
Editor: Du Chicon, Kim Taylor
