 | A Reuters report outlines China's proposed regulations on the rapidly expanding sector of digital humans and AI avatars. Under the new draft rules, digital human content must be clearly labeled and is explicitly banned from offering virtual intimate relationships to anyone under 18. The legislation also prohibits the unauthorized use of personal data to create avatars and targets services designed to fuel addiction or bypass identity verification systems. [link] [comments] |
China drafts law regulating 'digital humans' and banning addictive virtual services for children
Reddit r/artificial / 4/7/2026
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Key Points
- Reuters reports that China has drafted new regulations for the growing “digital humans” and AI avatar industry, focusing on labeling and content constraints.
- The draft rules require digital human content to be clearly identified and prohibit avatars from offering virtual intimate relationships to anyone under 18.
- The proposed legislation bans the unauthorized use of personal data to create avatars, aiming to curb privacy violations and non-consensual generation.
- The draft also targets services designed to be addictive and to bypass identity verification, reflecting concerns about youth harm and fraud risks.
- If adopted, the rules could materially reshape how avatar platforms operate, including compliance, data sourcing, and age-gating requirements for child-facing services.
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