China announced plans to leverage big data, artificial intelligence, new media, and grassroots services to enhance the precision and effectiveness of legal education across diverse population groups. The initiative was outlined on Thursday during a press briefing held by the State Council Information Office, which detailed the forthcoming ninth Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for publicity and education on the rule of law. The plan was recently approved by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.
Hu Weilie, vice-minister of justice, highlighted steady advancements over the past five years in public legal education, noting improvements in citizens’ legal awareness and the overall quality of law-based social governance. He emphasized that the new plan aims to further elevate legal literacy, foster public confidence in the rule of law, and nurture a societal culture that respects rules, honors contracts, and upholds fairness.
The plan prioritizes education on key topics including the Constitution, high-quality development, national security, social stability, public welfare, and environmental protection. Hu stressed the importance of making legal education more targeted and practical by refining mechanisms to assess public legal needs, tailoring content to specific groups, and integrating digital and intelligent platforms. Artificial intelligence and other technologies will be employed to develop innovative legal education products through new media, alongside timely legal explanations addressing cases and incidents that gain public attention.
“The people’s needs should guide what we provide,” Hu said, underscoring a shift away from formalistic approaches toward measurable, effective outcomes in legal education.
Chao Baodong, head of the bureau of cyberspace law-based governance under the Cyberspace Administration of China, pointed to the internet as a vital channel for legal education, noting that by the end of 2025, China had 1.13 billion internet users, representing an 80.1 percent penetration rate. During the new plan period, authorities intend to enhance online legal education with a special focus on constitutional matters and laws related to cybersecurity, data security, and personal information protection. Tailored education efforts will aim at various groups including cyberspace officials, internet companies and their employees, minors, and other segments.
Chao emphasized that big data and AI will support formats such as short videos, animated explainers, and interactive Q&A sessions to deliver legal education more effectively and in a user-friendly manner.
In addition, Tang Jie, head of the department for safeguarding youth rights and interests within the Communist Youth League Central Committee, noted a shift in youth legal education from mere dissemination of legal knowledge to fostering a deeper spirit of the rule of law among young people. The league plans to continue programs such as online legal knowledge contests and youth volunteer campaigns. This summer, it organized 523 social practice teams nationwide to promote legal education and gather feedback on the legal concerns of young people and their families.
Tang also highlighted cooperation with other departments and more than 3,700 youth rights protection posts to tackle challenges including telecom fraud, school bullying, internet addiction, and drug abuse, while providing legal assistance to minors facing difficulties.
The authorities further plan to embed legal education within grassroots governance, dispute resolution, and industry regulation, encouraging participation from media outlets, social organizations, and volunteers to broaden the societal impact of rule-of-law initiatives.