Tech, AI key to cyberspace action plan

China's top internet regulator unveiled an action plan on Friday to make cyberspace enterprises a significant driver of high-quality social and economic development by 2030.

Released on Friday by the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the plan outlines strategic goals for 2026 through 2030, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of cyberspace enterprises through advancements in technological innovation, product quality and service delivery.

The plan envisions a robust industrial ecosystem and a supportive development environment for the cyberspace sector. It emphasizes the necessity of a strong institutional framework to ensure safe, standardized and orderly growth.

"Network information technology is highlighted as a critical area of innovation, attracting substantial global research and development investment," the commission said. "This sector consistently achieves breakthroughs, finds widespread applications and exerts a powerful influence across various industries."

The commission highlights that companies focused on cybersecurity and informatization are crucial to China's cyber strength initiatives. These enterprises are instrumental in building new productive forces and enhancing global competitiveness. The plan aims to invigorate cyberspace enterprises while ensuring their orderly and healthy development.

To achieve these objectives, the plan calls for intensified efforts in breakthrough technologies such as high-end chips, basic and industrial software, network communications, cybersecurity and data security.

Priority will be given to advancing frontier technologies, including quantum computing, blockchain, brain-computer interfaces, digital twins and next-generation displays.

Resources will be allocated to companies engaged in artificial intelligence research, with a strong emphasis on developing high-end AI chips, improving large language model performance and promoting agentic AI technologies. The plan encourages enterprises to actively participate in open-source projects and community building.

Security is a key focus, with promises of robust technological support to enhance risk identification, alert systems, monitoring and emergency response capabilities. Enterprises are urged to strengthen personal data protection systems and optimize algorithm management. According to the plan, preventing the misuse of AI-related technologies is essential to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of netizens and workers.

It also mandates improvements in the quality of content provided by cyberspace enterprises and effective regulation of monopolistic practices in key areas.

"We will demonstrate greater resolve in upholding security, curbing disorderly competition and reinforcing the rule of law in cyberspace governance," the commission said. It pledges to collaborate closely with other authorities to implement the plan and will regularly seek feedback from cyberspace enterprises to address any challenges in its execution.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn