China takes steps to control digital humans, prohibits addictive services for kids

China has unveiled draft rules to regulate digital humans, requiring clear labeling, restricting services for minors, and protecting personal data. The move aims to ensure online safety, prevent addictive content for children, and align AI use with national security and social values.

China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has announced a new set of proposed regulations aimed at regulating the creation and operation of digital humans. These draft rules focus on mandatory labeling, age restrictions, and preventing addictive services targeted at minors. The regulations also introduce measures to safeguard personal data and national security while ensuring online safety for users.

Mandatory Labeling and Age Restrictions

Under the newly proposed rules, all digital human content must be clearly marked to indicate that it is generated by artificial intelligence or other digital technologies. This labeling is intended to ensure that users are aware when interacting with a digital human. Additionally, digital humans are prohibited from offering virtual intimate relationships to minors under the age of 18, a move aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from misleading or inappropriate content.

The draft regulations are currently open for public feedback until May 6, providing an opportunity for citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions on the proposed rules.

Protection of Personal Information

The draft regulations also introduce measures to protect personal data. Specifically, it is prohibited to create digital humans using someone else's personal information without their explicit consent. Furthermore, digital humans cannot be used to bypass identity verification systems, reflecting the growing concern over privacy and data protection in the age of artificial intelligence.

National Security and Content Restrictions

The proposed regulations also address concerns related to national security. Digital humans will be banned from distributing content that could undermine national security, promote the subversion of state power, encourage secession, or threaten national unity. Additionally, service providers are urged to take action against content that is sexually suggestive, violent, or discriminatory based on ethnicity or regional identity.

By enforcing these restrictions, China aims to ensure that digital humans operate within the boundaries of its national interests, while also preventing the spread of harmful or destabilizing content online.

User Safety and Support Measures

Another significant aspect of the regulations is the emphasis on user safety. Service providers will be encouraged to monitor interactions for signs of suicidal or self-harming behavior. In such cases, providers are required to offer professional support and resources to help users. This measure aims to make interactions with digital humans safer and more supportive, especially for those in vulnerable mental health states.

Alignment with National Policy and Economic Strategy

The new regulations are in line with China's broader economic strategy, which seeks to promote the use of artificial intelligence across various sectors. In the country's latest five-year policy blueprint, AI technologies are highlighted as a key area for growth, yet the government is also prioritizing the need for strict oversight in these rapidly developing fields. The introduction of these regulations reflects the government's desire to ensure that AI and digital humans align with socialist values and contribute positively to public safety and societal well-being.

Industry Governance and Strategic Significance

The CAC has stated that these regulations are essential to fill gaps in the governance of the digital human sector. The rise of digital humans has highlighted the need for clear guidelines to ensure the healthy development of the industry. The CAC further emphasized that managing digital virtual humans is no longer merely an industry issue but has become a strategic challenge concerning cyberspace security, public interest, and the digital economy’s growth.

These draft regulations mark a significant step forward for China in balancing the promotion of technological innovation with the need to impose controls over emerging technologies. The government aims to foster innovation while safeguarding societal values and public safety in the evolving digital landscape.

Sources:

• China Moves to Regulate Digital Humans and AI Content
• China's Crackdown on Digital Humans and Online Safety
• China Proposes New Rules to Control Digital Humans and Protect Children
• China moves to regulate digital humans, bans addictive services for children

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.