China’s Supreme Court targets new rules for crypto and AI

China’s Supreme Court will develop new rules for crypto, AI, and data disputes to clarify court standards, as digital asset cases rise and the national crypto ban continues.

China's Supreme People's Court has announced plans to develop new adjudication rules for cases involving virtual currencies, cross-border finance, artificial intelligence, and data property rights. This initiative responds to a rise in legal disputes related to digital assets and emerging technologies, even as the national ban on cryptocurrency trading remains in effect. Authorities aim to clarify court standards and expedite judicial interpretations on civil compensation for insider trading and market manipulation. The move aligns with China's 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritizes cybersecurity, digital governance, and financial supervision. While courts have previously recognized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as virtual property in ownership disputes, regulators continue to enforce strict bans on crypto transactions. The Supreme Court also plans to address disputes involving data ownership, data transactions, and AI-generated content, seeking clearer judicial standards for these evolving sectors.