TIME100 AI 2024: Zhang Linghan

Source: Photo illustration by TIME (Source: Courtesy of the United Nations)

China isn’t just at the forefront of AI applications—it’s also the first country to implement binding regulations on the technology. Starting in 2021, China rolled out its first regulations on content recommendation algorithms, and by March of last year, it had circulated a preliminary draft of a comprehensive proposed AI law. And much of that progress can be attributed to the influence of Zhang Linghan, a professor at the China University of Political Science and Law and the first author listed on the bill. Zhang is an expert on technology committees at both China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Public Security, showing how highly valued her expertise is in Beijing. Zhang also serves on the UN High-Level Advisory Committee on AI and has been involved in consultative work on numerous laws and regulations related to AI algorithms, data protection, and platform governance. She has been outspoken about the need to regulate AI’s use in military applications, and for all nations—regardless of size—to have a say in setting global AI standards. “The UN should be the premier international organization for global AI governance,” Zhang said at a seminar in June.

Write to Charlie Campbell at [email protected].