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China\u2019s cyberspace regulator has proposed stringent new measures for digital humans, emphasising transparency, youth protection, and national security amid rapid AI sector growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
China\u2019s internet regulator has unveiled draft rules to govern \u201cdigital humans\u201d, signalling tighter state control over virtual characters powered by artificial intelligence as the sector expands rapidly. The Cyberspace Administration of China published the measures on Friday and opened them for public comment until May 6, 2026, laying out requirements for prominent labelling, limits on uses that could mislead or addict children, and strict safeguards on personal data. According to the announcement, the proposals form part of Beijing\u2019s push to balance rapid AI deployment with social and security concerns. (Sources: china.org.cn, Reuters).<\/p>\n
Under the draft measures, any online content featuring a virtual persona must carry a continuous \u201cdigital human\u201d label so users are not left uncertain about whether they are interacting with an artificial construct. The regulator also seeks to prevent firms from creating digital likenesses from another person\u2019s sensitive personal information without informed consent, and would ban copying identifiable traits of real individuals for virtual characters. Industry commentary on the regulator\u2019s website described the rules as closing a governance gap in the emerging field. (Sources: english.news.cn, china.org.cn).<\/p>\n
The proposals explicitly restrict services that simulate family ties or \u201cvirtual intimate relationships\u201d for people under 18, and bar techniques designed to circumvent identity-verification systems. Regulators say such restrictions are intended to shield minors from manipulative or addictive experiences, including virtual services that encourage excessive spending, and to preserve the integrity of age checks online. The draft also instructs service providers to deter sexually suggestive, horrific or discriminatory material and to intervene when users show suicidal or self-harming behaviour. (Sources: Business Standard, cybernews.com, china.org.cn).<\/p>\n
National security and political stability are central themes of the draft. The rules forbid digital humans from spreading content that threatens state security, incites subversion, advocates secession or undermines national unity. The CAC framed these prohibitions as necessary to ensure that virtual personas align with China\u2019s broader ideological and legal frameworks as AI becomes more integrated across the economy. (Sources: Reuters, tekedia.com).<\/p>\n
The move follows Beijing\u2019s recent policy drive to accelerate AI adoption while tightening oversight. Government planning documents released last month set out ambitions for expansive AI deployment across industry, alongside a stepped-up regulatory posture. Analysts say the digital-human draft is consistent with that dual approach: encouraging technological development but placing clear legal and ethical boundaries around applications that touch on privacy, youth protection and political content. (Sources: Reuters, english.news.cn).<\/p>\n
If adopted after the comment period closes on May 6, 2026, the measures would add to a growing body of Chinese rules governing online algorithms, content moderation and data use, and could prompt platform changes by companies building virtual influencers, customer-service avatars and other AI-driven personas. The regulator invited public feedback through the consultation window and characterised governance of virtual humans as \u201ca strategic scientific problem that concerns the security of cyberspace, public interests, and the high-quality development of the digital economy.\u201d (Sources: china.org.cn, Reuters).<\/p>\n
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