China Drafts Sweeping Rules on Digital Humans, Targets Child Safety and AI Misuse
Beijing— China’s top internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, on Friday issued draft regulations to govern the development and use of “digital humans,” mandating clear labelling of virtual content and banning services that could mislead or create addictive experiences for minors.
The proposed rules, open for public comment until May 6, require all digital human-generated content to carry prominent identification, aiming to prevent users from mistaking virtual entities for real individuals. The regulator also moved to prohibit digital humans from offering “virtual intimate relationships” to users under the age of 18.
The draft framework bars the use of personal data without consent to create digital avatars and prohibits the deployment of such entities to circumvent identity verification systems, reflecting concerns over privacy violations and fraud risks linked to advances in artificial intelligence.
Authorities also outlined strict content controls, banning digital humans from producing material deemed harmful to national security, including content that incites subversion, promotes secession, or undermines national unity.
Service providers are instructed to curb the spread of harmful content, including sexually suggestive, violent, or discriminatory material, and are encouraged to intervene when users display signs of self-harm or suicidal behaviour by directing them to professional assistance.
The move aligns with Beijing’s broader push to expand artificial intelligence across its economy while tightening regulatory oversight to ensure alignment with state priorities and social stability.
According to an official analysis published alongside the draft, the measures are intended to close regulatory gaps in the fast-growing digital human sector and establish clear boundaries for its development, framing governance of the technology as a matter of national security, public interest, and long-term digital economy strategy.
