China gives every AI agent a digital ID card

China has introduced a new national standard that requires all artificial intelligence agents to have a unified digital identity. The rule, released on Friday by the State Administration for Market Regulation, aims to create a "closed-loop system" for managing AI agents. These are software programs that can perform tasks, make decisions, or interact with users autonomously. The standard, called "Artificial Intelligence Agent Interconnection," means every AI agent must be registered and tracked under one identity system. State broadcaster China Central Television reported that the move is meant to improve control and security as AI agents become more common in daily life and business. The new regulation does not name specific companies or products. However, it signals that China wants to oversee how AI agents communicate and operate with each other. Experts say this could help prevent fraud, misuse, or confusion between different AI systems. The standard takes effect immediately. It is part of a broader effort by Beijing to set rules for emerging technologies while encouraging their development.