The number of generative artificial intelligence users in China surged to 602 million as of December 2024, marking a nearly 142 percent increase from the previous year. This finding was detailed in a report released Thursday by the China Internet Network Information Center’s policy and international cooperation division. The report highlights that generative AI is rapidly becoming embedded in everyday life and various production sectors, emerging as a pivotal driver of China’s digital and intelligent transformation.
By the end of last year, approximately 457 million people utilized AI for answering questions, while 288 million leveraged it for generating images and videos. Additionally, 184 million users employed AI as personal assistants. The report pointed out that although young people remain the primary users of generative AI, adoption rates are rising among middle-aged and older demographics. Notably, students represent over 30 percent of AI users, with corporate managers, office workers, and individual entrepreneurs following closely.
“This trend shows that AI’s rapid advancement has expanded its user base from specialized technicians to the general public, significantly broadening application scenarios for AI products and services, from everyday life to office tasks and beyond,” the report stated. As generative AI becomes more integrated into work and daily life, it is assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in overcoming challenges related to research and development, high costs, and inefficiencies.
The report noted that SMEs are increasingly engaging with AI applications, with 254,000 new AI software development firms established in the first quarter of 2025 alone. AI’s influence has extended into sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and logistics, driving the expansion of service consumption scenarios across the board.
In tandem with the rapid growth of AI technologies, China has intensified its focus on strengthening AI governance. Last year, the Cyberspace Administration of China registered 446 generative AI services, reflecting the country’s commitment to regulatory oversight. A suite of AI-related regulations, policies, and guidelines was introduced by various government agencies during the same period, aiming to enhance public safety governance while fostering technological innovation.
“We need to seize the strategic opportunities presented by AI development while recognizing the importance of strengthening technology management and ethical standards to ensure its safe, trustworthy, and sustainable growth,” the report concluded. As generative AI continues to evolve, its implications for society, the economy, and governance are likely to deepen, posing both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders across various sectors.
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