China's MIIT requires AI-agent checks before phones, tablets and wearables get network approval
Notice 42 of 2026 requires devices with a preinstalled AI agent to pass agent adaptation verification and an anti-fraud assessment, and over-the-air agent upgrades need an MIIT filing and expert review before rollout.
Why it matters
China is putting preinstalled AI agents on phones, tablets and wearables under the same network-access approval that governs telecom hardware. Makers must show an agent works on the device and pass a fraud-risk assessment before a licence, and later over-the-air agent upgrades need a filed plan, a report and expert assessment before users get them. App stores must also list which models each agent is verified on and let apps declare whether agents may call them. Watch which agent standards and identity-code rules MIIT publishes next.
Key facts
- Notice 工信厅信管〔2026〕42 from the MIIT General Office
- Covers phones, tablets and wearables with a preinstalled AI agent
- Agent adaptation verification added to network-access testing
- Fraud-risk assessment and anti-fraud evaluation required
- Agents should carry a unique identity code
- Over-the-air agent upgrades need a filed plan and expert assessment before rollout