Post by QTS Global

We are hopefully aware by now that the updated Cybersecurity Law (2026) introduced an important feature—enforceable since January 1, 2026—the requirement for AI governance policies within a company’s compliance framework. This month, Beijing has gone a step further by mandating the creation of ethical scientific and technical review committees, as AI development continues to be classified as a high-risk activity. Since 2023, AI development in China has accelerated at an unprecedented pace, particularly among e-commerce players and big tech. Looking back, review committees during that period were found to have fallen short in mitigating risks associated with AI models that influence social discourse and enable highly autonomous decision-making. Ambiguous operating scopes, unclear standards, and a lack of enforcement mechanisms were key factors behind these shortcomings. As a signatory to the UN Initiative for Global AI Governance, Beijing has now begun drafting new rules aimed at promoting high-quality development without compromising security. An additional clause places personal data protection as a core principle within the review system. According to regulators, larger Chinese companies are encouraged to contribute to setting industry standards, while smaller firms will be given greater support in implementation.