BEIJING, 3 April 2026 – China is tightening oversight of artificial intelligence by introducing new draft rules to regulate so-called “digital humans”, AI systems that mimic human behaviour, while banning features deemed addictive or harmful to minors.
The proposed regulations, issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, mark one of Beijing’s most comprehensive efforts yet to govern the fast-growing AI sector while safeguarding social stability and youth wellbeing.
Strict Rules on AI Behaviour and Content
Under the draft framework, all digital human content must be clearly labelled to ensure users understand they are interacting with AI rather than real individuals.
Authorities are also introducing strict red lines on content, prohibiting digital humans from:
- Endangering national security
- Promoting violence, discrimination, or misinformation
- Using personal data without consent
- Circumventing identity verification systems
This reflects Beijing’s broader push to maintain control over emerging technologies while ensuring alignment with national values and cybersecurity priorities.
Strong Protections for Minors
A key focus of the new rules is protecting children from AI-driven psychological risks.
Digital human services will be banned from offering “virtual intimate relationships” to users under 18, targeting a growing segment of AI companion applications.
Additionally, platforms must avoid creating addictive or manipulative experiences, reinforcing China’s long-standing stance against digital dependency among minors.
Service providers are also encouraged to:
- Monitor for harmful or emotionally distressing content
- Intervene when users show signs of self-harm or distress
- Restrict exposure to inappropriate material
Filling a Regulatory Gap in the AI Era
The new rules aim to address a regulatory gap as AI systems become increasingly human-like and emotionally interactive.
“Digital humans” are widely used in:
- Virtual assistants
- AI influencers and content creators
- Customer service avatars
- AI companionship applications
Authorities now view governance of such systems as a strategic priority, given their potential impact on public behaviour, mental health, and information integrity.
Part of China’s Broader AI Strategy
The move comes as China accelerates AI adoption across its economy, while simultaneously tightening regulatory oversight.
Beijing has long pursued a dual-track strategy:
- Rapid AI development and deployment
- Strong regulatory control to manage risks
The digital human rules complement earlier measures targeting generative AI, online content, and youth internet usage, reinforcing China’s position as one of the most tightly regulated AI markets globally.
Implications for Tech and Investors
For investors and technology firms, the new regulations signal:
- Higher compliance requirements for AI developers
- Constraints on monetisation models, especially in AI companion services
- Greater regulatory clarity, which may support long-term industry stability
While stricter rules may limit certain business models, they also provide a framework for sustainable growth in China’s AI ecosystem.
A Defining Moment for AI Governance
China’s move underscores a broader global trend, governments are increasingly stepping in to regulate AI as it becomes more embedded in everyday life.
In Beijing’s case, the message is clear: AI innovation will continue, but within tightly defined social and ethical boundaries.
