Glossary · China
Algorithm filing (China)
Also known as: algorithm registry, algorithm registration, large model filing
Algorithm filing is the Chinese requirement that providers of algorithmic recommendation, deep synthesis and generative AI services with public opinion attributes or social mobilization capacity register their algorithms with the Cyberspace Administration of China through its algorithm filing system, submitting details of the algorithm and a self-assessment report.
- AI regulation
- China
- Technical documentation
In one sentence
China’s algorithm filing requires influential algorithm and generative AI services to register with the CAC and submit a self-assessment.
Example
A shopping app registers its recommendation algorithm with the CAC, submits a self-assessment and shows its filing number on its website.
How it applies
- Legal basis: The filing duty was introduced by the Provisions on the Management of Algorithmic Recommendations for Internet Information Services (in effect since March 1, 2022), which also give users the right to switch off personalized recommendations. The deep synthesis provisions and the generative AI measures extended it.
- Contents: Provider details, the form of service, application area, algorithm type, an algorithm self-assessment report and information to be disclosed to the public. The filing must be made within ten working days of starting the service.
- Generative AI: Generative AI services additionally undergo a security assessment based on the national security requirements for generative AI services, which include tests of training data, model output and refusal behavior. The CAC publishes the filed services in batches — by spring 2026, more than 800 generative AI services had been filed.
- Technical documentation: The self-assessment report is a technical document describing how the algorithm works, which risks it poses and how they are controlled. Providers display the filing number on their website or app.
Algorithm filing vs. the EU AI Act
The EU AI Act requires high-risk systems to be registered in an EU database and GPAI providers to keep documentation for the AI Office, but it has no general pre-launch filing. China's filing covers any influential algorithm, whatever its risk to health or safety, and focuses on content and public opinion.