New committee to define AI standards in China
A new AI standards committee in China includes top tech firms and academic experts.
China is establishing a technical committee to set standards for AI, focusing on areas such as large language models and risk assessment. The committee, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, includes 41 members, with representatives from major players like Baidu and renowned academic institutions such as Peking University.
The initiative reflects Beijing’s dual approach of promoting AI development while ensuring safety and ethical oversight. Unlike its earlier hands-off regulation of the mobile internet and e-commerce sectors, China is taking a more proactive stance in shaping AI’s trajectory. Last year, regulatory approval for public-facing chatbots took months, even as domestic companies advanced technologies comparable to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
China’s move comes amid a growing global race to define AI standards. The competition is not only about technological innovation but also about influencing international frameworks for the sector. A report by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs highlights China’s ambition to become a standard-setter in AI, rather than merely following frameworks set by others.
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