China bans creation of digital humans using AI

China’s cyberspace regulator has released draft regulations to oversee the development and use of digital humans, emphasizing transparency, child protection, and content safety. The proposed rules were published on Friday for public comment until May 6.

Under the draft, all virtual human content must carry a prominent "digital human" label. The rules also prohibit digital humans from providing virtual intimate relationships to anyone under 18. Using another person’s information without consent to create digital humans, or employing virtual humans to bypass identity verification systems, is also banned.

The regulations aim to prevent digital humans from spreading content that could threaten national security, incite subversion, promote secession, or undermine national unity. Service providers are encouraged to block sexually suggestive material, depictions of horror or cruelty, and content that promotes discrimination based on ethnicity or region. They are also urged to provide professional intervention if users show signs of suicidal or self-harming behavior.

These rules come as China pushes for wide-scale adoption of artificial intelligence across its economy, outlined in a new five-year policy blueprint released last month. Alongside rapid AI growth, Beijing is tightening oversight to ensure technological development aligns with national security, public interests, and socialist values.

According to the Cyberspace Administration of China, governing digital humans is no longer just an industry matter but a strategic issue affecting cyberspace security, societal welfare, and the development of the digital economy. The draft regulations aim to provide clear boundaries to ensure the healthy growth of the digital human sector.