China takes action to regulate digital humans, prohibits addictive services for kids.

China introduces draft rules to regulate digital humans, focusing on transparency, user safety, and protecting children from addictive content. The guidelines require clear labeling, restrict misuse of personal data, and prevent exposure to harmful material while aligning with the nations AI strategy.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has unveiled draft regulations intended to govern the online creation and usage of digital humans. These rules, open for public consultation until May 6, focus on transparency, user safety, and shielding minors from content that could be addictive or misleading.

Mandatory Labelling and Protections for Minors

According to the draft rules, all content featuring virtual humans must display prominent "digital human" labels. The regulations explicitly forbid digital humans from engaging in virtual intimate relationships with anyone under the age of 18. The measures aim to protect minors from exposure to material that may lead to dependency or confusion regarding relationships and interactions online.

Privacy and Identity Protections

The proposed regulations impose strict limitations on the use of personal information. Creating digital humans using another individual’s data without consent is prohibited. Additionally, the use of virtual humans to bypass identity verification processes is forbidden. These provisions align with China’s ongoing initiatives to ensure oversight of artificial intelligence applications while safeguarding personal privacy.

Content Restrictions and Safety Measures

Digital humans are prohibited from sharing content that could threaten national security, encourage subversion of state authority, promote secession, or disrupt national unity. Service providers are required to implement safeguards to prevent content that is sexually explicit, horrific, or violent. Furthermore, they must take steps to discourage material that incites discrimination based on ethnicity or regional identity. Interventions and professional assistance must be offered if users exhibit suicidal or self-harming behaviors.

Alignment with National AI Development Strategy

China’s plans for broad integration of artificial intelligence into its economy, as outlined in its five-year policy framework, are paired with enhanced governance measures. The aim is to ensure that AI technology development is consistent with national values and public safety requirements.

Addressing Regulatory Gaps

The CAC emphasizes that the regulations aim to close gaps in the governance of digital humans. By establishing clear standards, the rules set boundaries for responsible growth in the sector. According to the agency’s analysis, overseeing digital virtual humans has evolved into a strategic issue concerning cyberspace security, public interest, and the quality development of the digital economy.

Public Consultation and Next Steps

The draft regulations are available for public feedback until May 6. The input received from stakeholders will contribute to the finalization of the rules, guiding the responsible creation, deployment, and management of digital humans across China.

Sources:

• Reuters
• South China Morning Post
• The Verge
• China moves to regulate digital humans, bans addictive services for children

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.