The following document is a Chinese draft regulation on ethics reviews for AI technology. The regulation requires tech companies, universities, and other organizations that create AI algorithms, models, and systems to set up or outsource ethics review committees to confirm that their technology does not endanger the lives of humans or undermine the Communist Party-led social order. In April 2026, China released a final (trial) version of this regulation, which CSET is now in the process of translating.

An archived version of the Chinese source text is available online at:    https://perma.cc/GJ55-VJT8

(Trial) Measures for Artificial Intelligence Technology Ethics Management Services

(Draft for Public Feedback)

Chapter 1      General Provisions

Article 1 [Purpose and Basis] These Measures have been formulated in accordance with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Progress of Science and Technology,¹ the Opinions on Strengthening the Governance of Science and Technology Ethics,² and the (Trial) Measures for Scientific and Technological Ethics Reviews³ (hereinafter referred to as the Ethics Measures), and other laws, regulations, and relevant provisions, in order to regulate the ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI) scientific and technological (S&T) activities, promote fair, just, harmonious, safe, and responsible innovation, and spur the healthy development of the AI industry.

Article 2 [Scope of Application] The AI S&T activities referred to in these Measures are those AI-related S&T activities conducted within the People’s Republic of China⁴ that may pose ethical risks and challenges in areas such as human health, human dignity, the ecological environment, public order, and sustainable development, including AI scientific research and technology development, as well as other S&T activities subject to AI S&T ethics review in accordance with laws, administrative regulations, and relevant national provisions.

Article 3 [Ethical Principles] Those carrying out AI S&T activities shall incorporate S&T ethics requirements throughout the entire process, and shall adhere to the AI S&T ethics principles of promoting human well-being, respecting the right to life, respecting intellectual property rights, upholding fairness and justice, reasonably controlling risks, maintaining openness and transparency, ensuring controllability and trustworthiness, and strengthening accountability, and shall comply with China’s Constitution, laws, regulations, and relevant provisions.

Chapter 2      Support and Promotion of AI Technology Ethics

Article 4 [Standards Construction] A system of AI technology ethics standards shall be established and improved; the formulation of international, national, industry, and group standards for AI technology ethics shall be promoted; and the establishment of platforms for international standardization exchange and cooperation shall be supported. Institutes of higher education, research institutions, medical and health institutions, enterprises, and S&T-related social organizations⁵ are encouraged to participate in the formulation, validation, and promotion of AI technology ethics standards.

Article 5 [Service System Mechanisms] Development of an AI technology ethics service system shall be promoted; service provision shall be strengthened in areas such as risk monitoring and early warning, detection and assessment, certification, and consultation; the capabilities of enterprises in technology R&D and prevention of AI technology ethical risks shall be improved; support for micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the area of AI technology ethics shall be expanded; and international exchange and cooperation in AI technology ethics shall be promoted.

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1. Translator’s note: CSET’s English translation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Progress of Science and Technology, as amended in 2021, is available online at: https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/law-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-on-progress-of-science-and-technology/.
2. Translator’s note: CSET’s English translation of the Opinions on Strengthening the Governance of Science and Technology Ethics is available online at: https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/china-science-ethics-opinions/.
3. Translator’s note: CSET’s English translation of the (Trial) Measures for Science and Technology Ethics Reviews is available online at: https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/china-science-ethics-review-trial-measures/.
4. Translator’s note: The Chinese word 境內 jìngnèi, translated throughout as “within the People’s Republic of China (PRC),” literally means “inside the borders [of mainland China].” China considers Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan to be part of China but not to be “within the PRC.”
5. Translator’s note: In China, “social organizations” (社会团体) are nonprofit organizations of Chinese citizens, membership in which is voluntary. Unlike civil society groups in many other countries, all Chinese social organizations have at least a quasi-official character, as they are required to register with the government, and either the Communist Party or a Chinese government entity exercises oversight over them.