China Moves to Regulate Digital Humans, Restricts Addictive Services for Children
Beijing, April 3 — China is planning new regulations to control the growing use of AI-powered “digital humans,” with a strong focus on protecting children and preventing misuse of the technology.
The proposed rules were released by the Cyberspace Administration of China and are open for public feedback until May 6. The regulations would require all digital human content to be clearly labeled so that users know they are interacting with virtual, AI-generated personalities rather than real people.
One of the most notable provisions in the draft rules is a ban on digital humans forming “virtual intimate relationships” with users under the age of 18. Authorities are concerned that such AI services could become addictive or emotionally manipulative for minors.
The draft regulations also state that companies will not be allowed to use a person’s image, voice, or personal data to create a digital human without that person’s consent. In addition, digital humans cannot be used to bypass identity verification systems or security checks.
The rules also place strict limits on the type of content digital humans can produce. Virtual characters will be prohibited from creating or spreading content that threatens national security, promotes extremism, encourages discrimination, or includes sexually suggestive or violent material. Service providers will also be expected to intervene if users show signs of self-harm or suicidal behavior while interacting with digital human systems.
China has made it clear that it wants to aggressively expand the use of artificial intelligence across its economy, as outlined in its latest five-year policy plan. However, the government is also tightening regulations to ensure that AI technologies develop in line with national policies and social values.
Officials say the new rules are designed to set clear boundaries for the fast-growing digital human industry and ensure that the technology develops in a safe and controlled manner. Authorities described digital human governance as not just an industry issue, but a matter related to national cybersecurity, public interest, and the long-term development of the digital economy.
The move shows how governments around the world are beginning to regulate advanced AI technologies more strictly, especially those that interact directly with humans and could influence behavior, privacy, or security.
