China Sets New Rules for AI Agent Devices

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued a notice to tighten network access management for AI agent devices. It sets out four key tasks: agent-device adaptation, terminal access management, online upgrade management, and distribution management.

The notice says phones, tablets, and wearables with built-in AI agents must pass adaptation tests before network access, carry a unique ID code, and undergo fraud risk checks. Companies pushing agent upgrades via OTA must first file plans with the ministry, and services can only launch after expert review.

For app distribution, developers can declare via e-signature whether they allow AI agents to call their apps. Without consent, agents cannot force access to apps. App stores must publish compatibility lists, and agents that fail verification will be fixed or removed.