The Supreme People’s Court of China issued new judicial guidance on Monday aimed at standardizing how lower courts handle civil litigation involving artificial intelligence. While China has not yet enacted a comprehensive national AI law, this 24-article opinion serves as a framework for judges to navigate disputes arising from the rapid adoption of new technologies.

The guidelines specifically address liability in cases involving deepfakes, voice cloning, and AI 'hallucinations'—where models produce false or misleading information. The court’s opinion also clarifies how existing legal standards regarding personal rights and privacy should be applied to AI-generated content. By providing these instructions, the court aims to offer a more predictable legal environment for both companies and individuals as AI-related disputes increase.

Legal analysts note that this move represents a shift toward judicial regulation in the absence of broader legislative action. The guidance is intended to help judges determine responsibility when AI systems infringe on individual rights or cause harm through inaccurate data. While the guidelines are not formal legislation, they are expected to significantly influence how civil courts interpret existing laws in the context of emerging technology.