China Cracks Down on AI, While US Struggles to Regulate
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced plans to accelerate work on creating a dedicated AI law, aiming to balance rapid development with tightened security measures.
The law is part of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, which runs from 2026 to 2030. The NDRC predicts investment in computing network infrastructure could reach 4 trillion yuan (approximately $550 billion) during this period, with the AI sector expected to expand more than 30% annually.
In contrast, the US is struggling to establish a cohesive regulatory framework for AI. A bipartisan proposal, the AI Kill Switch Act, would require developers of advanced AI systems to maintain the ability to slow or shut down their models in case of an emergency. Meanwhile, Senator Ed Markey has proposed a package of bills addressing data-center certification, automated hiring, and child safety.