Chinese Social Media Begin Labeling AI-Generated Content

China has officially enforced a new regulation requiring social media platforms to label all materials created with the help of artificial intelligence.

The law was jointly developed by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, and the National Radio and Television Administration. Since September 1, major Chinese platforms such as WeChat, Douyin, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu must mark AI-generated content.

The regulation, adopted in March, demands both explicit and implicit labeling. Visible labels should be easily recognized by users, while hidden identifiers — such as digital watermarks — must be embedded in metadata.

Chinese platforms have already begun implementing the changes. WeChat requires users to add these labels manually and forbids removing them. Douyin identifies AI content through metadata, while Weibo introduced a reporting system for unlabeled posts.

The regulation aims to strengthen control over the growing volume of AI-generated materials and prevent misuse. Authorities emphasized that the focus will be on monitoring disinformation, manipulative marketing, and the activities of paid online commentators. Protecting minors from harmful online influence also remains a priority.

In July, China also announced its ambition to create an international organization dedicated to artificial intelligence cooperation, presenting itself as a counterbalance to the United States in the global AI race. Premier Li Qiang revealed this initiative during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai.