Politics · China · 1 hr ago
China Tightens Network Approval Rules for Devices With AI Agents
China’s industry ministry has tightened approval rules for devices with built-in AI agents, including phones, tablets and wearables.
The rules require these devices to undergo compatibility checks and fraud-risk assessments as part of network approval.
AI developers must list which device models and operating systems have been tested, and app stores must not offer agents for incompatible devices.
An AI agent must not access an app unless its developer has agreed through an electronic declaration.
Device makers must submit plans for major online agent upgrades, then provide a report after the upgrades are complete.
Experts must assess the upgrade before the service is offered to users.
The rules aim to improve security and protect users’ rights as these AI features spread.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has tightened network-access rules for phones, tablets and wearable devices that come with AI agents pre-installed.
The rules require compatibility checks and assessments of fraud-related risks and anti-fraud capabilities before devices pass network-access testing.
Manufacturers must report major changes to devices and submit plans for certain online upgrades.
The notice also sets requirements for agent distribution platforms, including displaying compatibility information and preventing downloads for incompatible devices.
- Who
- China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the notice. It sets requirements for device manufacturers, AI-agent developers and app distribution platforms.
- What
- The notice tightens network-access management for telecommunications devices with pre-installed AI agents.
- When
- The notice was dated October 24, 2026, and reported by China News Service on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- To promote the orderly development of AI-agent devices, coordinate development with security, and protect users’ lawful rights and interests.
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The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s General Office dated the notice on managing network access for AI-agent devices.
China News Service reported that the ministry had issued the notice.
- Notice number
- 工信厅信管〔2026〕42号
- Covered devices
- Phones, tablets and wearable devices with pre-installed AI agents
- Network testing
- Requires agent compatibility verification and assessments of fraud-related risks and anti-fraud capabilities
- Major device changes
- Manufacturers must report them to the ministry and conduct network-access testing as required
- Online upgrades
- Manufacturers must submit an upgrade plan and, after completion, a report for expert assessment before offering the service to users
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What people are saying
Agent terminals refer to telecommunications terminal devices such as mobile phones, tablets and wearable devices with agents pre-installed.