China Moves to Regulate Digital Humans, Bans Addictive Services for Children

On April 3, 2026, China announced a set of draft regulations aimed at regulating the development and use of "digital humans," ensuring that virtual human content is clearly labeled. The proposed rules also ban services that may mislead children or promote addiction. These regulations come in response to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and societal concerns over digital interactions.

Key provisions of the draft regulations include:

Mandatory labeling of all digital human content to prevent confusion with real human interactions. A prohibition on providing "virtual intimate relationships" for users under the age of 18. Restrictions against using personal information to create digital humans without consent, alongside rules to prevent identity verification evasion through virtual humans.

Moreover, digital humans are banned from disseminating content that threatens national security, promotes secession, or undermines national unity. The regulations also address the need for service providers to filter out sexually suggestive material, violent content, and any instances that may incite ethnic discrimination.

This initiative reflects China's broader ambitions to integrate AI throughout its economy, aligning these technologies with the country's social and political values. The draft regulations signal a crucial step in filling gaps in the governance of the digital landscape, emphasizing the need for a balance between innovation and public safety.

As the laws undergo public consultation until May 6, 2026, the Chinese government aims to establish a secure and responsible framework that governs the interactions of digital humans, ensuring they serve the public good without compromising societal values.