Global AI Newsletter·Issue 23

On April 28, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting to analyze and study the current economic situation and economic work. The meeting stressed the need to accelerate the development of a modern industrial system, maintain a reasonable proportion of manufacturing, and explicitly proposed to "fully implement the 'AI+' initiative, develop new forms of intelligent economy, and improve AI governance". After being included in the 2025 Government Work Report in March and deployed by the State Council in August, the "AI+" initiative has been officially elevated to a top-level national economic strategy, with its implementation intensity upgraded from "continuous advancement" to "full implementation". The meeting listed this as one of the key paths to foster new-quality productive forces, marking that the in-depth integration of artificial intelligence and the real economy has entered a new stage of comprehensive and systematic advancement.

Link: https://www.news.cn/20260428/dce804026b054a3aa1f7a1703b5cf231/c.html

2. MIIT and National Data Administration Jointly Launch the 2026 "Data-Model Resonance" Initiative

On April 28, the General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the General Department of the National Data Administration issued the Notice on the Joint Implementation of the 2026 "Data-Model Resonance" Initiative. Focusing on 20 industries and fields including steel, automobiles, medicine, software, information and communication, and cybersecurity, the notice deploys key tasks for the coordinated advancement of AI models, data resources and scenario applications. The notice sets out the following key tasks: first, build industry general datasets and develop industry models; second, sort out high-value scenarios, build industry professional datasets, and develop characteristic agents; third, establish and improve evaluation datasets and refine model evaluation mechanisms; fourth, create "Data-Model Resonance" spaces and explore coordination mechanisms; fifth, build "Data-Model Resonance" innovation consortia and develop full-stack solutions; sixth, improve ecological supporting measures and strengthen the guarantee of key factors; seventh, designate "key cities" to set benchmarks.

Link:https://www.nda.gov.cn/sjj/zwgk/tzgg/0428/20260428215540161552208_pc.html

3. National Dataset Management and Service Platform Officially Launched

On April 29, the National Dataset Management and Service Platform (https://www.ndsms.cn) was officially launched and put into trial operation at the Digital China Summit. Guided by the National Data Administration and constructed and operated by the National Data Development Research Institute, the platform aims to build a dataset management system of "physical dispersion and logical centralization", provide public services covering the full life cycle of datasets, promote the effective supply of high-quality datasets, and empower the innovative development of artificial intelligence.

The platform serves three core user groups: it provides catalog management and construction monitoring functions for data management authorities; offers services such as release, certificate application and quality evaluation for dataset suppliers; and provides query, retrieval and demand release functions for dataset demanders. At present, the platform has opened basic functions such as supply and demand release, global retrieval and certificate application, and has completed docking with the national data infrastructure and local platforms such as Anhui Province. As of the launch date, more than 200 supply and demand entities have been certified and over 1,000 datasets have been released on the platform. Next steps will continue to optimize platform functions, deepen docking with local and industry platforms, and support the construction of high-quality datasets nationwide.

Link:https://www.nda.gov.cn/sjj/swdt/xwfb/0429/20260429223349173144038_pc.html

4. NDRC Issues a Decision Prohibiting Investment in the Foreign Acquisition of the Manus Project Based on National Security Review

On April 27, the Office of the Working Mechanism for National Security Review of Foreign Investment (National Development and Reform Commission, NDRC) issued an official decision, prohibiting the foreign acquisition of the Manus Project in accordance with laws and regulations, and explicitly requiring the parties to revoke the acquisition transaction. Zhou Mi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, stated that Manus is an AI Agent project functioning like a "housekeeper" that understands and decomposes tasks for execution by large language models. The project completed initial design and capability development in China, then relocated the enterprise to Singapore through capital and equity transfers before being sold to Meta of the United States. Zhou Mi pointed out that this practice is suspected of intentional regulatory evasion. Uncontrolled such behavior could lead more enterprises to follow suit, harming national development interests and security.

Link: https://zfxxgk.ndrc.gov.cn/web/iteminfo.jsp?id=20623

5. CAC Beijing and Two Other Departments Issue the Implementation Plan for Further Deepening the Comprehensive Supporting Reforms for the Facilitation of Cross-Border Data Flow

On April 29, the Cyberspace Administration of Beijing (CAC Beijing), Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Government Services and Data Management issued the Implementation Plan for Further Deepening the Comprehensive Supporting Reforms for the Facilitation of Cross-Border Data Flow. The plan introduces 27 reform measures focusing on six key sectors including medical and health care, artificial intelligence, intelligent connected vehicles, trade and logistics, technology finance and commercial aerospace. It fully promotes the negative list for cross-border data flow, deepens the "one certification, multiple uses" for cross-border personal information, upgrades public service platforms, launches pilots for trusted data spaces and anonymization, strengthens differentiated regulation and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordination, promotes efficient, convenient and secure cross-border data flow, and supports Beijing in building a global data circulation hub and a digital economy benchmark city.

Link:https://www.beijing.gov.cn/zhengzheng/zhengcefagui/202604/t20260430_4627551.html

6. Ten Departments of Yunnan Province Issue the Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Application and Development of "AI + Medical and Health Services"

On April 27, ten departments including the Yunnan Provincial Health Commission issued the Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Application and Development of "AI + Medical and Health Services" in Yunnan Province, which was publicly released on April 30. The plan sets out the following key tasks: first, consolidate basic application capabilities, mainly including improving the computing power service guarantee system and promoting the construction of high-quality data resources; second, accelerate industry scenario applications, covering five aspects: AI empowering primary-level applications, AI-driven clinical treatment, AI-optimized patient services, AI promoting innovative development of traditional Chinese medicine, and AI supporting public health; third, improve the innovative application environment, including three aspects: AI deepening industry governance, AI promoting scientific research and teaching, and AI accelerating industrial development.

Link: http://ynswsjkw.yn.gov.cn/html/2026/qitawenjianxin_0430/4024884.html

7. Beijing Releases the Second Batch of Demand Lists for High-Quality Datasets Empowering New-type Industrialization with AI

On April 30, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology issued the Notice on Publicly Soliciting Constructors for the Second Batch of Demand Lists for High-Quality Datasets Empowering New-type Industrialization with AI in 2026, openly soliciting constructors from the public with a deadline of May 31, 2026. The notice clarifies that based on the first batch of demand lists for high-quality datasets, Beijing has formulated a second batch of 65 high-quality dataset demands with clear scenario orientation, complete factor standards and prominent industrial value. Datasets constructed for application must comply with the Data Security Law, Personal Information Protection Law and other requirements, and be directly usable for the development and training of AI models to support the implementation of large models, agents and other applications. Constructors may apply for follow-up incentives in accordance with procedures after completing acceptance and transactions, and will be given priority for recommendation in typical case applications.

Link: https://www.beijing.gov.cn/fuwu/lqfw/gggs/202604/t20260430_4626621.html

8. Guangzhou Launches Collection of Typical Cases of AI "Data-Model Resonance" in Key Industries

On April 30, the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology issued the Notice on Soliciting Typical Cases of AI "Data-Model Resonance" in Key Industries, soliciting typical cases from industries including automobiles, power equipment, home furnishing, medicine, new-type displays and software. The application period runs from April 29 to May 11. The 2026 Guangzhou Typical Cases of AI "Data-Model Resonance" will be released to the public based on the collection results, and supply-demand matching activities for application scenarios will be organized. The notice categorizes the solicitation scope into three types: first, AI application scenarios with high promotion value and strong technical feasibility; second, industry models, special models and characteristic agents embodying technical mechanisms in the industrial and information technology fields; third, high-quality industry general and professional datasets.

Link: https://www.gz.gov.cn/xw/tzgg/content/post_10795486.html

9. Shenzhen Issues the Operating Procedures for the Project Support Plan to Build a Pioneer City in Artificial Intelligence (2026 Revised Edition)

On April 29, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology issued the Operating Procedures for the Project Support Plan to Build a Pioneer City in Artificial Intelligence (2026 Revised Edition). The document states that the revision aims to adapt to the rapid development and changes of artificial intelligence, better implement the Several Measures for Shenzhen to Build a Pioneer City in Artificial Intelligence, and guide the high-quality development of the AI industrial cluster through fiscal funding. Compared with the previous more principled support policies, the revised procedures further refine the implementation basis and operational arrangements of the support plan, reflecting that Shenzhen is advancing the construction of an "AI pioneer city" from policy advocacy to specific project support and fiscal implementation.

Link: https://gxj.sz.gov.cn/xxgk/xxgkml/qt/tzgg/content/post_12759640.html

10. Zhongshan Launches Collection Mechanism for "Typical AI Solutions, Typical Application Cases and Typical Products"

On April 29, the Zhongshan Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology issued the Notice on Soliciting "Typical AI Solutions, Typical Application Cases and Typical Products", soliciting application materials for typical AI solutions (software algorithms, integrated solutions, agent applications, etc.), typical AI application cases, and typical AI products (intelligent equipment, terminal devices, intelligent components, parts, etc.). The first batch of application materials must be submitted by May 11. Selected projects will receive services such as publicity and promotion and supply-demand matching, and serve as a reference for the evaluation of subsequent relevant demonstration projects.

Link: https://www.zs.gov.cn/zsjxj/gkmlpt/content/2/2610/post_2610662.html

(II) Law Enforcement and Judicial Updates

1. CAC Launches a Four-Month "Clean Internet · Rectifying Chaos in AI Applications" Special Campaign

On April 30, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued a notice announcing a four-month national "Clean Internet · Rectifying Chaos in AI Applications" special campaign to be carried out in two phases. The first phase focuses on typical violations in AI application services, with key rectification targets including unqualified large models, insufficient security review capabilities, illegal training data, AI data poisoning, missing labels for generated synthetic content, abuse of AI technology for face-swapping, voice imitation and cyberattacks, and inadequate security management of open-source models. The second phase focuses on chaos in AI information content, with key rectification targets including the use of AI to "alter" classics to produce "digital garbage", create false information, impersonate others, spread violent and vulgar content, infringe on the rights and interests of minors, use AI "hosting" to carry out cyber water army activities, and provide illegal AI functional services.

Link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/SgiSvANmylzzZ6N4pWCTPg

2. National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center Detects 67 Mobile Apps Illegally Collecting and Using Personal Information

On April 30, the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center reported that 67 mobile apps have one or more violations in the illegal collection and use of personal information. The main problems cover 13 categories: failure to prompt users to read the privacy policy via pop-ups on first launch; failure to list the purposes, methods and scope of personal information collection one by one; provision of personal information to third parties without obtaining separate user consent or anonymization; commencement of information collection without consent; lack of effective account cancellation functions; failure to establish convenient complaint acceptance mechanisms; lack of channels for withdrawing consent; failure to provide non-personalized options for automated decision-making pushes; failure to inform the necessity of processing sensitive personal information; lack of minor information protection rules; failure to adopt technical measures such as encryption and de-identification; mandatory facial recognition as the only verification method; and absence of privacy policies.
Affected apps include IKANG Intelligent Guided Examination, ClassIn, West China Health, Qilu Talents, Travel Shaanxi, Yanyan Story, Qichacha, etc. In addition, 17 of the 71 apps notified in the previous issue failed to rectify upon re-inspection and have been removed from relevant distribution platforms.

Link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/L22KfNK5GNRgE7jtTzQI8A

3. Cyberspace Authorities Investigate and Punish Apps Including CapCut and Catbox for Violations of AI-Generated Synthetic Content Labeling Rules

On April 28, the CAC announced that cyberspace authorities had found during recent work that the apps CapCut, Catbox and the website Dream AI failed to effectively implement the provisions on labeling AI-generated synthetic content, violating laws and regulations including the Cybersecurity Law, Interim Measures for the Administration of Generative AI Services and Measures for the Labeling of AI-Generated Synthetic Content. The CAC guided local cyberspace offices to impose penalties on the above platforms in accordance with the law, including interviews, orders for rectification, warnings and severe punishment of responsible persons. A relevant official of the CAC stated that websites and platforms must strictly abide by the legal bottom line and fully implement labeling provisions. Cyberspace authorities will continue to strengthen supervision to promote the healthy and orderly development of artificial intelligence.

Link: https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-04/28/c_1779119736411711.htm

4. CAC Issues a Circular on Problems in the Collection and Use of Personal Information by 33 Apps

On April 27, the CAC issued a circular on problems in the collection and use of personal information by 33 apps. The main problems include: absence of personal information collection and use rules, or failure to prompt users to read such rules through obvious methods such as pop-ups on first launch; failure to list SDKs collecting and using personal information one by one or obtain user consent; collection of personal information irrelevant to the services provided in violation of the necessity principle; lack of effective account cancellation channels or imposition of unreasonable conditions for users to cancel accounts.

Link: https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-04/27/c_1779028107561553.htm

5. CAC Releases Q&A on Personal Information Protection Policies and Regulations

On April 29, the CAC released Q&A on personal information protection policies and regulations. The Q&A addresses three key points: first, the counting of personal information volume includes the base number, counted based on the number of natural persons covered by the personal information processed by the processor at present, excluding deleted personal information; second, the frequency of personal information protection compliance audits by personal information processors shall be carried out in accordance with relevant national standards based on the volume of personal information processed; third, compliance audits for the protection of minors’ personal information may conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of whether the processing of minors’ personal information complies with laws and administrative regulations with reference to national standards such as Data Security Technology – Requirements for Personal Information Protection Compliance Audits.

Link: https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-04/29/c_1779200509387274.htm

(III) International Cooperation Updates

1. "China-ASEAN Digital Transformation Cooperation Sub-forum" of the 9th Digital China Summit Successfully Held

On April 28, the "China-ASEAN Digital Transformation Cooperation Sub-forum" of the 9th Digital China Summit was held in Fuzhou. Hosted by the National Data Administration and organized by the International Cooperation Center of the NDRC, the sub-forum aimed to deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in the digital economy. Zhao Zenglian, Vice Governor of Fujian Province, and relevant officials from the Data Resources Department of the National Data Administration attended and delivered speeches. Diplomatic envoys from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries attended and spoke. About 100 representatives from government, enterprises, academia and international organizations from China and ASEAN countries participated.

With the theme of "China-ASEAN Digital Union for Cooperation, Jointly Exploring a New Future for Digital Development", the forum set up sessions including thematic exchanges and roundtable dialogues, discussing topics such as opportunities for ASEAN digital transformation, international cooperation in the data sector, green transformation of digital infrastructure, and development and application of data elements. In the thematic exchange session, all parties expressed willingness to seize digital opportunities and expand multilateral cooperation areas. Heads of data bureaus from Fujian, Henan, Hainan, Yunnan and other regions shared practices in international data cooperation. In the roundtable dialogue session, 12 guests conducted in-depth discussions on green digital infrastructure and data element applications from the perspectives of R&D, industry, talents and data circulation.

Link:https://www.nda.gov.cn/sjj/ywpd/gjjlhz/0430/20260430164740535030988_pc.html

(IV) Research Updates

1. CAICT Releases the Intelligent Native Research Report

On April 29, the AI Research Institute of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) and Xiaomi Corporation jointly released the Intelligent Native Research Report. The report mainly covers the following contents: first, at the conceptual level, it systematically explains intelligent native as a new paradigm with AI as the underlying logic of system design; second, at the technical level, it sorts out enabling technologies such as large models, computing power infrastructure, data and agents, revealing the internal logic of the reconstruction of the technology stack from "plug-in" to "embedded"; third, at the application level, it investigates intelligent native terminals, software and industry scenarios, analyzing the reshaping of interaction paradigms and capability boundaries by intelligent native; fourth, at the industrial level, it discusses industrial chain coordination, business model transformation, and accompanying governance and security challenges; fifth, at the development level, it puts forward prospects, challenges and development suggestions for a human-machine symbiotic society, providing forward-looking and practical references for the industry and policymakers.

Link: https://www.caict.ac.cn/kxyj/qwfb/ztbg/202604/t20260429_721543.htm

2. CAICT Releases the Intelligent Computing Power Service Research Report

On April 30, the Cloud Computing and Digital Research Institute of CAICT released the Intelligent Computing Power Service Research Report. Based on the large-scale application of AI and the development trend of computing power servitization, the report systematically sorts out the following seven dimensions of intelligent computing power services: first, development background, including three prominent contradictions in current development, and global and China’s development models; second, connotation, systematically defining it from dimensions such as conceptual boundaries, service characteristics and evolution logic; third, system architecture, clarifying the functional positioning, interrelationship and service forms of the resource layer, interconnection layer and application layer; fourth, key technologies, including computing power identification gateway technology, computing-network collaboration technology, computing power pooling technology and heterogeneous computing power scheduling technology; fifth, typical scenarios, including high-intensity computing and parallel processing scenarios, result delivery and experience-oriented service scenarios, and vertical industry integration and edge collaboration scenarios; sixth, market and industrial chain analysis, analyzing the market scale growth trend and competitive pattern evolution from global and Chinese dimensions; seventh, development trends, sorting out the changing characteristics of intelligent computing power services from four perspectives: architecture deployment, service model, industrial pattern and empowerment path.

Link: https://www.caict.ac.cn/kxyj/qwfb/ztbg/202604/t20260430_721682.htm

3. CAC Releases the China Cybersecurity Rule of Law Development Report (2025)

On April 28, the CAC released the China Cybersecurity Rule of Law Development Report (2025). The report consists of a main text and appendices. The main text has six parts, systematically summarizing the concepts, achievements and experience of China’s cybersecurity rule of law construction in 2025. The main contents include: first, a general review of the achievements of China’s cybersecurity rule of law construction during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and in 2025. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, cybersecurity rule of law construction has achieved more remarkable results, and governing the internet in accordance with the law has become a consensus, with new breakthroughs in cyber legislation, law enforcement, justice, legal publicity and foreign-related cybersecurity rule of law. Second, detailed practical achievements in all aspects of cybersecurity rule of law construction. In 2025, cyber legislation advanced in depth, focusing on strengthening overall coordination of cyber legislation and further improving the basic systems for cybersecurity and informatization; cyber law enforcement efficiency jumped, improving the cyber law enforcement system and thoroughly rectifying problems such as abuse of AI technology, personal information leakage and data security risks; cyber justice was comprehensively strengthened, continuously improving cyber space judicial rules and promoting the in-depth empowerment of judicial work by cyber information technology; cyber legal publicity was deepened, continuously strengthening online publicity of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and carrying out centralized publicity of cybersecurity rule of law construction achievements; foreign-related cybersecurity rule of law was continuously deepened, accelerating the formulation and improvement of foreign-related laws and regulations in the cyber field, in-depth participation in the formulation of international cyber space rules, and building an international platform for cybersecurity rule of law exchanges. Third, a comprehensive record of key annual cybersecurity rule of law events. It systematically sorts out the important work of China’s cyber legislation, law enforcement, justice, legal publicity and foreign-related rule of law in 2025 in the form of a chronicle, objectively presenting the key measures and progress of cybersecurity rule of law construction in the past year, providing a detailed reference for comprehensively grasping the process of cyber space legalization in China.

Link: https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-04/28/c_1779117448652001.htm

4. National Data Administration Releases the National Data Resource Survey Report (2025)

On April 29, the National Data Administration released the National Data Resource Survey Report (2025). The survey results show that the market-oriented and value-based process of China’s data elements has accelerated significantly, the data resource supply system, data circulation system and data development and utilization system have evolved in coordination, and the sector is transitioning from the expansion of data resource scale to the release of data element value, showing the following remarkable characteristics: first, the scale of data resources maintains rapid growth; second, the construction of computing power infrastructure advances steadily; third, the development and utilization of data resources become more efficient; fourth, the effect of data circulation and trading is initially evident; fifth, data empowerment of artificial intelligence has entered a new stage of large-scale application.

Link: https://www.nda.gov.cn/sjj/swdt/xwfb/0429/20260429164803571173880_pc.html

5. National Data Development Research Institute Releases the Innovative Development Report on Data Circulation Service Institutions (2026)

On April 28, at the exchange activities of the 9th Digital China Summit, the National Data Development Research Institute, together with universities, data exchanges and enterprises, released the Innovative Development Report on Data Circulation Service Institutions (2026). The report has six parts, systematically elaborating the development status, innovative practices and future trends of China’s data circulation service institutions. The report points out that data circulation is the core link to release the value of data elements and promote the transformation of data from "resources" to "assets", with significant strategic significance. At present, data exchanges are accelerating the construction of a full-chain service system, data circulation service platform enterprises have become the main force of industry circulation, and data merchants are continuously improving their specialized product capabilities, jointly promoting the release of data element value. The report puts forward three core prospects: more diversified market players in the data market, accelerated innovation in circulation and trading models, and accelerated improvement of institutional coordination and standard systems.

Link: https://www.secrss.com/articles/89835

6. National Data Administration Releases the Digital China Development Report (2025)

On April 29, the National Data Administration released the Digital China Development Report (2025). The report shows that the Digital China Development Index reached 170.1 in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 12.99%, presenting three major characteristics: a continuously solidified foundation for "solidity", a constantly prominent effect of "integration", and a continuously optimized environment for "goodness". China has advanced the construction of digital intelligence systems, technologies, scenarios, infrastructure and talents simultaneously, with AI patents accounting for 60% of the global total, 5G-A covering more than 330 cities, intelligent computing power scale reaching 1.59 million PFLOPS, and over 110,000 high-quality datasets. The added value of the core digital economy industry accounted for more than 10.5% of GDP, the scale of the core AI industry exceeded 1.2 trillion yuan, and remarkable achievements were made in digital government, culture, society and ecological development. The cyber and data security system has been continuously improved, and the capabilities in investment and financing, governance and international cooperation have steadily improved. In 2026, China will continue to deepen the construction of Digital China with the "AI+" initiative and "Data Element ×" initiative as the core drivers.

Link:https://www.nda.gov.cn/sjj/swdt/xwfb/0429/20260429162826395159001_pc.html

(V) Industry Updates

1. The 9th Digital China Summit Kicks Off with a "Digital Intelligence" Feast in Fuzhou, Fujian

On April 29, the 9th Digital China Summit, themed "Accelerating the Innovation and Development of Digital Intelligence Technology and Deeply Promoting the Construction of Digital China", was held in Fuzhou, Fujian. Focusing on digital-intelligence integration, the summit added an AI experience section, set up an industrial docking cabin, released relevant reports and policy measures, and featured more than 100 interactive experience projects and 70 digital scenario experience points, comprehensively displaying digital and technological achievements.
The previous eight summits achieved remarkable results, holding over 1,000 events, releasing nearly 200 policies and landing more than 3,000 digital economy projects. The construction of Digital China has continuously optimized government services, promoted the popularization of "one-stop online services" and "inter-provincial services", and helped enterprises with digital-intelligence transformation and industrial upgrading. In 2024, the added value of the core digital economy industry nationwide accounted for 10.5% of GDP, and the scale of digital economy and the number of innovative enterprises in Fujian Province have grown rapidly year after year. As an important event in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, this summit will lead digital-intelligence reform and boost the high-quality development of Digital China.

Link: https://www.news.cn/20260428/18259bb8482c44f187eb96162f3f8d90/c.html

2. The 8th Canal E-Commerce and Digital Intelligence Industry Development Conference Held in Suqian

On April 27, the 8th Canal E-Commerce and Digital Intelligence Industry Development Conference, themed "Gathering Momentum for Win-Win Cooperation, Intelligence for the Future", was held by the Luoma Lake in Suqian. A total of 70 projects were signed at the event, covering industrial projects such as artificial intelligence and new materials, modern service industry projects, talent and technology projects. The conference launched the "National University Business Elite Challenge Cross-border E-commerce Track", established the "Suqian Cross-border E-commerce Ecological Cooperation Alliance", and presented awards to the winners of the "6th Suqian E-commerce Short Video and Live Streaming Competition" and the "1st JD JoyInside Intelligent Terminal Hackathon and Suqian OPC Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition". Meanwhile, the "JD Jingxi Suqian E-commerce Industrial Belt Procurement and Sales Center", "Suqian New Kinetic Energy Fund" and "Three Centers and One Platform" were inaugurated. The pilot work on the construction of high-quality industry datasets in the industrial and information technology field of Jiangsu Province was launched, and the launch of agents, models, datasets and the settlement of alliance enterprises in the JD Embodied Intelligent Robot Exhibition Area was announced. Suqian is committed to promoting the strategic leap of the city from a "famous e-commerce city" to a "digital intelligence new city".

Link:https://www.suqian.gov.cn/cnsq/tpxw/202604/594e6486a6bc439ba5222e3ec6747e8c.shtml

II. International Governance Updates

(I) Policy and Legislative Updates

1. U.S. Department of the Air Force Officially Releases Data Strategy and AI Strategy

On April 27, the U.S. Department of the Air Force officially released its Data Strategy and AI Strategy, positioning data and artificial intelligence as core strategic assets and force multipliers for modern warfare, aiming to build an AI-first force and consolidate air and space advantages. The two strategies focus on mission areas such as training and readiness, and multi-domain operations, emphasizing that data is the "ammunition" of modern warfare. They will build a data grid environment to improve data discovery, access and sharing capabilities, and support the efficient use of operational data. The AI Strategy sets out five strategic priorities including unlocking data value, fostering an AI-first culture, and building a global AI ecosystem; the Data Strategy focuses on data asset management to enhance data trustworthiness and interoperability.

Link:https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4472659/daf-launches-plan-to-bolster-ai-workforce/

2. EU Plans to Expand the Scope of the Digital Markets Act to Cloud Services and AI

On April 28, the European Commission released the first review report on the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The report holds that the DMA remains "applicable and effective" overall two years after implementation, with no basic framework amendments needed for the time being, but will prioritize cloud services and artificial intelligence as key focus areas for the next stage. The report also notes that the DMA review has specifically collected feedback related to the AI sector, and will continue to address fair competition issues in emerging digital markets through strict supervision, regulatory dialogue and enforcement actions when necessary. The three key points of this update are: first, confirming no overall amendment to the DMA at this stage; second, clarifying that its "future-proof" scope can cover emerging services such as AI and cloud computing; third, emphasizing that rules will be implemented through interpretation, supervision and case-by-case enforcement in AI scenarios.

Link:https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2026-04/DMA%20Review%20Report_COM_2026_178_1_EN.pdf

3. European Commission Urges Member States to Launch Age-Verification Apps by the End of 2026

On April 29, the European Commission issued a notice urging member states to accelerate the launch of the EU age-verification app, with the goal of making it available to citizens by the end of 2026. The app aims to better protect children’s online safety, allowing users to prove their age without sharing unnecessary personal data, browse the internet in a fully private manner, and ensure children cannot access inappropriate content.

Member states may launch it as a standalone app or integrate it into the European Digital Identity Wallet. To ensure rapid deployment and interoperability, the commission recommends that countries: use a customizable blueprint for the age-verification app; develop implementation plans; cooperate with digital service coordinators, other member states, the European Commission, research institutions and civil society; and ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards through independent third-party reviews. In addition, the European Commission will establish a unified EU age-verification scheme, set standards for age-proof service providers and verification solution developers, and publish a list of providers meeting privacy and security standards. The commission emphasized that age verification is part of a broader framework for the online protection of children, covering the Digital Services Act (DSA), anti-cyberbullying action plans, and the "Better Internet for Kids" strategy.

Link: https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/commission-urges-fast-rollout-age-verification-app-2026-04-29_en

4. European Commission and EDPB to Jointly Develop Guidelines on the Interface Between Competition Law and Data Protection Law

On April 28, the European Commission’s services and the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) announced that they will jointly work on the interaction between EU competition law and data protection law and develop relevant guidelines to ensure the consistency of the two legal frameworks.

This joint work will focus on specific situations where data protection law significantly impacts competition law assessments and vice versa, providing clear guidance on rights and obligations for economic actors and law enforcement agencies. The initiative builds on the experience of the joint release of guidelines on the interface between the DMA and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2024, demonstrating the shared commitment of both parties to the coordinated application of EU law.

Link: https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/about/news/commission-services-and-edpb-will-start-joint-work-guidance-interplay-between-eu-competition-law-and-2026-04-28_en

5. Negotiations on the Revision of the EU AI Act Fail to Reach an Agreement, Consultations to Resume Next Month

According to a Reuters report on April 29, EU member states and the European Parliament failed to reach an agreement on a simplified version of the AI Act after 12 hours of negotiations, and consultations will resume next month. The amendment is part of the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus Act, aiming to simplify digital sector regulations and help European enterprises narrow the gap with American and Asian competitors. The main reason for the deadlock is that some member states and parliamentarians insist that sectors already regulated by industry laws such as product safety should be exempted from AI legislation.

Link: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-countries-lawmakers-fail-reach-deal-watered-down-ai-rules-2026-04-29/

6. EU Seeks Opinions on Android Interoperability, Demanding Access to Core Functions for Third-Party AI

On April 27, as part of its investigation into Google’s compliance with gatekeeper obligations, the European Commission issued preliminary findings on a draft interoperability regulation for the Android mobile operating system and launched a one-month public consultation. The remedial measures proposed in the draft focus on two core requirements: first, require the Android system to open access to core mobile phone functions such as sending emails, ordering takeout and sharing photos for third-party AI services (such as other AI assistants and AI applications); second, allow users to set and use custom wake words to activate different AI assistants, rather than being limited to the default assistant pre-installed on the device. The European Commission stated that these measures aim to ensure that Google’s competitors’ AI services can effectively interact with applications on users’ Android devices and perform tasks. Google responded that the EU’s "unwarranted intervention" could "unnecessarily drive up costs and undermine important protections for European users’ privacy and security". This is the first time globally that regulators have attempted to create a level playing field for third-party AI services at the mobile operating system level through mandatory interoperability rules, preventing dominant platforms from stifling innovation in emerging AI applications through system-level integration.

Link: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/ip_26_887

7. Sejm of Poland Initiates First Reading of the Artificial Intelligence Systems Act

On April 29, according to the agenda information of the Sejm of Poland, the Artificial Intelligence Systems Act (druk nr 2443) submitted by the government entered the first reading process. The bill was approved by the government on March 31 and officially submitted to parliament on April 8. According to the published project description and draft content, the bill aims to implement the EU AI Act, focusing on regulating the market supervision and oversight mechanism of AI systems and general AI models, and plans to set up a specialized agency responsible for AI development and security supervision. The entry into the parliamentary review process means that Poland’s supporting AI legislation has advanced from government project initiation and cabinet approval to the formal legislative process.

Link: https://www.gov.pl/web/premier/projekt-ustawy-o-systemach-sztucznej-inteligencji3

8. California Privacy Protection Agency Reviews Progress in Privacy Legislation and Rulemaking

From April 30 to May 1, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) held a board meeting, with the agenda including a special discussion on "Private Data Flows to Federal Agencies: How Federal Agencies Use Private Data and How States Protect Americans", and a review of positions on pending privacy legislation. Meeting materials show that the legislative update covers progress in privacy rules at the federal, California and multi-state levels, with the federal level focusing on comprehensive federal privacy legislation; the California level covers rulemaking issues such as data brokers, employee data, and notices and disclosures that the agency is advancing or monitoring.

In terms of rulemaking arrangements, CalPrivacy is simultaneously continuing the preliminary opinion solicitation for several supporting rules of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): first, data broker audit rules, to develop more detailed audit arrangements for data broker registration, disclosure and subsequent supervision; second, employee data rules, to address special issues of personal information processing, notification and rights exercise in employment scenarios; third, notice and disclosure rules, to further refine the transparency requirements for operators to provide privacy information to consumers.

Link:https://cppa.ca.gov/meetings/agendas/20260430_0501.pdf

9. Brazil Issues AI Governance Policy for Federal Agencies to Regulate Development, Procurement and Use

On April 28, the Brazilian Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI) formally established an AI governance policy through Administrative Order No. 3485. The policy clearly stipulates that when developing, procuring and using AI applications internally, departments shall abide by principles including human rights protection and fairness, transparency, security and resilience, privacy and data protection, human supervision and accountability, sustainability and digital sovereignty. It also requires the establishment of a specialized AI governance structure, implementation of human supervision under risk classification, and restriction of generative AI from processing non-public information unless prior risk assessment is conducted and technical and contractual safeguards are in place.

Link: https://in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/portaria-mgi-n-3.485-de-24-de-abril-de-2026-702070785

10. Two Major Australian Research Funding Bodies Simultaneously Update Rules on the Use of Generative AI in Research Grant Reviews

On April 28, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) jointly issued the Policy on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Grant Applications and Assessment. The two bodies clarified that applicants may use generative AI as an auxiliary tool but remain responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the content; reviewers may only use it to improve written expression and may not replace academic judgment and scoring; meanwhile, strict control of input content is required to avoid leakage of confidential or sensitive information, and all inputs shall be treated as potentially public information.

Link: http://https://www.arc.gov.au/news-and-publications/media/arc-releases-updated-policy-use-generative-artificial-intelligence-grant-assessment

11. Singapore Establishes Tripartite Jobs Council to Address the Impact of AI on the Labor Market

On April 30, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of Singapore, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) jointly announced the establishment of a "Tripartite Jobs Council" to specifically address the impact of artificial intelligence on workers, enterprises and job structure. The announcement explicitly stated that the council will serve as a tripartite cooperation mechanism to support the government’s work under the national AI agenda, promote a fair and inclusive AI transformation for enterprises and workers, and focus on addressing issues such as the widening skills gap, job restructuring and adjustment of enterprise business models.

Link: https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0430-formation-of-tripartite-jobs-council

(II) Law Enforcement and Judicial Updates

1. Italian Competition and Market Authority Concludes Investigations into Three AI Service Providers, Requiring Enhanced Transparent Warnings of "Hallucination Risks"

On April 30, the Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) issued an announcement stating that three investigations into DeepSeek, Mistral AI and NOVA AI have been closed after accepting corporate commitments, with no findings of violations. The core commitments of the enterprises include: setting permanent prompts on websites and application interfaces to clearly inform users of the "hallucination" risks of AI systems; and adding clear warnings on the limitations of the reliability of generated content and the need for self-verification in information disclosures before registration or purchase. DeepSeek also committed to investing in technical measures to mitigate "hallucinations". While not a new law, this reflects that Italian regulators are translating requirements for AI output reliability and risk warnings into specific compliance obligations through consumer protection rules.

Link: https://www.agcm.it/media/comunicati-stampa/2026/4/PS12942-PS12968-PS12973

2. European Commission Orders Croatia to Fully Comply with the Digital Services Act and Empower National Authorities with Enforcement Powers

On April 29, the European Commission decided to issue a supplementary formal notice (INFR(2024)2166) to Croatia, pointing out its failure to fully comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission issued the first formal notice as early as July 2024. Although Croatia adopted legislation implementing the DSA on April 18, 2025, the commission held that Croatia still failed to grant its digital service coordinator sufficient enforcement powers and incorrectly implemented the sanction powers stipulated by the DSA.

Specific issues include: Croatian domestic law does not fully respect the maximum fines stipulated by the DSA (up to 6% of global annual turnover for online platforms, and 5% of average daily global turnover or income for periodic fines), nor does it ensure that all penalties are effective, proportionate and dissuasive. In addition, the law does not allow fines to be imposed on individuals who provide false information or refuse to cooperate with inspections. Croatia has two months to respond and resolve the above issues. Without a satisfactory response, the European Commission may issue a reasoned opinion further.

Link: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-asks-croatia-comply-digital-services-act-and-empower-national-authority-enforce-it

3. European Commission Preliminary Finds Meta in Breach of the Digital Services Act: Failing to Prevent Children Under 13 from Using Instagram and Facebook

On April 29, the European Commission issued preliminary findings finding that Meta’s Instagram and Facebook violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to properly identify, assess and mitigate the risks of minors under 13 accessing its services. Although Meta’s own terms set a minimum registration age of 13, its actual enforcement measures were deemed "insufficiently effective". For example, children under 13 can enter false dates of birth when creating accounts, and the platform lacks effective control mechanisms to verify the authenticity of self-reported ages. The commission pointed out that Meta neither sufficiently prevented minors from accessing the platform nor timely identified and removed minor users who had gained access. If the violation is finally confirmed, Meta may face fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover.

Link: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-preliminarily-finds-meta-breach-digital-services-act-failing-prevent-minors-under-13

4. Supreme Court of Argentina Rules: The State May Not Use Citizens’ Personal Data Without Consent

According to a report by the Argentine News Agency on April 30, the Supreme Court of Argentina issued a ruling declaring unconstitutional the state’s use of personal data such as phone numbers and email addresses without individual consent, and repealing the provisions of the Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 25.326) allowing unauthorized information exchange between state agencies. The court held that these exceptions are "excessive and unreasonable" and infringe on the right to privacy and informational self-determination.

The case originated from a data protection lawsuit filed by a retiree who challenged the administrative authorities’ use of her personal information for official information pushes unrelated to the original collection purpose without her consent. Previously, the National Social Security Administration (ANSeS) signed an agreement with the Secretariat of Public Communications allowing the use of citizen data for the dissemination of official content. The court pointed out that no legitimate interest can justify the storage and circulation of personal information without the data subject’s knowledge. The court emphasized that the broad provisions of the law almost always allow the state to evade authorization requirements, thus hollowing out the substantive content of personal data protection.

Link: https://noticiasargentinas.com/politica/la-corte-declara-inconstitucional-el-uso-de-datos-personales-sin-consentimiento-por-parte-del-estado_a69f3a5ff7825f88153b2f6ba?srsltid=AfmBOorGtERvMHQR0t0Yl42h2gV6IOGWkHqQO2xDew59JL8YPQEH3tTh

5. FTC Releases Data on Social Media Scams and Alerts to Platform-Based Fraud Risks

On April 27, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released data showing that nearly 30% of fraud loss reports in 2025 originated from social media, with related losses reaching $2.1 billion, making social media the most economically damaging fraud contact method that year. The FTC pointed out that social media provides fraudsters with low-cost channels to reach massive users. Fraudsters may either hack user accounts, use publicly released user information to design precise scripts, or purchase advertisements and use targeted delivery tools similar to normal commercial marketing to reach specific groups.

From a specific classification perspective, the FTC categorizes social media scam risks into three types: first, investment scams, with about $1.1 billion in losses from social media-initiated investment scams in 2025, accounting for more than half of social media scam losses. Common forms include attracting users to fake investment platforms through investment courses, consultants or "success stories" in chat groups; second, shopping scams, the most reported type of social media scams, where victims are lured to unfamiliar websites or counterfeit well-known brand websites after purchasing goods such as clothing, beauty products, auto parts and pets through social media advertisements; third, romance scams, with nearly 60% of romance scam loss reports indicating social media as the initial contact point. Fraudsters usually customize scripts based on personal homepage content and then induce transfers through sudden crises or investment advice.

Link: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/04/new-ftc-data-show-people-have-lost-billions-social-media-scams

(III) International Cooperation Updates

1. Japan and Estonia Sign MOU on Digital Cooperation

On April 27, the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of Estonia visited Japan and held bilateral talks with the Japanese Minister of Digital Transformation. The two sides exchanged views on common initiatives in the digital field and signed a memorandum of cooperation valid for three years. The two sides reached consensus on the following cooperation: first, exchange best practices, experience and expertise on innovative and effective digital government and social solutions, policies and regulations, innovative public procurement and governance models, focusing on digital identity, cyber and data security, artificial intelligence and other fields; second, organize joint events, expert-level on-site visits or inspections, and exchange programs for officials and other experts; third, establish an expert and official exchange mechanism; fourth, explore effective paths for digital government development; fifth, develop policy pilots in the information and communication technology field; sixth, promote cooperation between technology companies and communities of the two countries; seventh, explore the possibility of joint initiatives to promote digital development services for third countries.

Link:https://www.digital.go.jp/en/news/1587abef-8522-46a5-a6fe-fb88b528e142

(IV) Research Updates

1. Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance of Cambridge Judge Business School and Other Institutions Jointly Release the 2026 Global AI in Financial Services Report

On April 28, the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) of Cambridge Judge Business School and other institutions jointly released the 2026 Global AI in Financial Services Report. The report mainly draws six conclusions: first, at the application level, the application of AI in the financial services industry leads regulators and other enterprises, generative AI and agent AI have become the most accessible cutting-edge AI, current AI deployment is still concentrated in internal operations, and choices of cloud and foundation models reveal significant architectural divergence among stakeholder groups; second, at the impact level, productivity improvements brought by AI are significantly visible, but deployment value is difficult to prove, profit results are positive but uneven, and the industry, suppliers and regulators are forming a governance consensus; third, at the challenge level, data quality, talents and legacy architecture remain core constraints to AI adoption and scaling; fourth, at the risk level, a consensus on major AI risks in financial services is forming, but differences remain in risk perception, liability and market expectations, and agent AI is expanding cyber risks beyond the scope of manual monitoring; fifth, at the regulatory level, monitoring is the main application scenario of AI in regulators, 78% of surveyed regulators believe interpretability plays an important role in their regulatory goals, and regulators are generally optimistic about the role of AI in achieving 2030 goals; sixth, looking ahead, the main development trend of the workforce is retraining rather than replacement, competition, market dynamics and integration are expected to change by 2030, and a minority expects the realization of general AI and super AI by 2030.

Link: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ccaf-2026-04-28-global-ai-in-financial-services-report.pdf

2. National Economic and Social Council of Ireland Releases Artificial Intelligence in Service of Society: Navigating Our Way Forward

On April 28, the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) of Ireland released Artificial Intelligence in Service of Society: Navigating Our Way Forward. The report includes six parts: first, elaborating the background and current status of AI development; second, tracing the development of AI from early symbolic systems to modern generative and intelligent models, and exploring possible future directions; third, discussing the safe and ethical use of AI, analyzing risks such as bias, fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, malicious use and environmental impact; fourth, analyzing how AI systems interact with the broader social, cultural, legal and economic context; fifth, reviewing emerging AI governance frameworks at the international, regional and national levels, emphasizing the importance of anticipatory governance to address the high uncertainty in today’s AI field; sixth, proposing five priority areas to guide AI governance: responsible and strategic adoption, trustworthy and ethical practices, anticipatory governance, AI literacy, and public legitimacy.

Link: https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.nesc.ie/nesc_reports/en/173_AI.pdf

3. Australian eSafety Commissioner Releases Special Report Internet of Things and Coercive Control

On April 30, the Office of the Australian eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) released the special report Internet of Things (IoT) and Coercive Control, revealing that networked devices such as smart home equipment, location trackers and smart cars are being abused for technology-assisted coercive control, becoming a new tool of violence in intimate relationships.

The report points out that cameras, location trackers such as AirTags, smart door locks and vehicle systems can be used for remote monitoring, location tracking, intimidation and manipulation. Due to lack of secure design, account sharing and chaotic permission management, victims are difficult to detect and escape control. AI further exacerbates risks by being used to guide the abuse of equipment for harassment and tracking.

eSafety strongly calls on the entire industry to implement secure design principles, requiring products to be equipped with sensor activation indicators, clear permission access lists, abnormal login reminders, and promote the establishment of cross-platform Bluetooth tracking early warning standards; meanwhile, promote abuse testing to prevent the weaponization of IoT at the source. The report also calls for strengthened public education and law enforcement collaboration to build a whole-of-society response mechanism to protect vulnerable groups from technology-enabled domestic violence.

Link: https://www.esafety.gov.au/industry/tech-trends-and-challenges/tech-trends-converge-series/internet-of-things-iot-and-coercive-control

4. Inter-American Development Bank Proposes Strengthened Data Governance and Cybersecurity for Integrated Digital Health in the Caribbean

On April 28, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) released From Islands to Integration: The Future of Digital Health in the Caribbean, putting forward policy analysis on the integration of digital health systems in the Caribbean. The article points out that Caribbean countries have long faced problems such as small population size, scattered medical resources and frequent cross-border flows. Digital health systems that only focus on single-country and single-sector construction cannot support continuous medical services at the regional level, so digital health needs to be integrated into broader national digital strategies and regional cooperation frameworks.

The article emphasizes that digital health interoperability cannot rely solely on the medical sector, but must simultaneously build basic capabilities such as digital identity, cybersecurity and data governance. First, digital identity is a prerequisite for cross-institutional and cross-regional patient identification and medical record matching; second, cybersecurity is the foundation for the trusted exchange of medical information, especially in the context of highly sensitive health data, the deeper the system interconnection, the higher the requirements for security protection and emergency response capabilities; third, data governance rules need to clarify data quality, access permissions, sharing boundaries and responsibility allocation to avoid the problem of "connectable but not securely usable" after the construction of digital health platforms.

Link: https://www.iadb.org/en/blog/regional-integration/islands-integration-future-digital-health-caribbean?utm_source.com

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