Navigating Compliance in the Era of AI Phones

On January 13th, East China University of Political Science and Law hosted the Seminar on Building a Compliance Framework for AI Phones, co-organized with the Shanghai No. 3 Intermediate People's Court. Convened shortly after the release of the “(Draft) Provisions on the Collection and Use of Personal Information by Internet Applications,” the seminar gathered experts from academia, legal practice, and relevant industry to examine the regulatory challenges emerging with AI-enabled mobile devices. 

Participants highlighted that the deep integration of large-scale on-device AI models has intensified legal and compliance concerns—particularly around system permissions, data security, and accountability. Li Mingde of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences stressed that disputes involving AI phones should be addressed through fundamental legal principles, utilizing existing frameworks such as anti-unfair competition and antitrust laws. Guo He from Renmin University of China Law School emphasized that ensuring meaningful user consent is central to compliance. He called for moving beyond broad, generic disclosures toward enabling users to make informed, granular choices at key interaction points. Gao Fuping of East China University of Political Science and Law argued that traditional personal information protection regimes are increasingly inadequate, advocating instead for a stronger focus on the obligations of data processors.

Social Sciences Weekly, Issue 1987, January 29, Page 4