JAKARTA - The Chinese government has tightened its control over the digital space in line with the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Through the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country's cyber regulator released a new draft regulation on April 3 that specifically regulates the use of "digital humans" or virtual humans on the internet.
In a document that is open for public consultation until May 6, the authorities confirmed that all content involving virtual humans must be clearly and prominently labeled. This step is aimed at preventing public confusion while increasing transparency amid the increasing realism of AI-based technology.
The regulation also explicitly prohibits services that have the potential to mislead children or trigger addiction. One of the crucial points is the prohibition of "virtual intimate relationships" provided by digital humans for users under the age of 18, reflecting the government's concerns about the psychological and social impact of AI-based interactions.
In addition, the use of personal data to create virtual humans without consent is also prohibited. The practice of using digital humans to circumvent identity verification systems is also in the spotlight, signaling Beijing's efforts to close the loopholes of technology abuse in the rapidly evolving AI era.
In terms of national security, this rule sets strict limits on the content disseminated by digital humans. All forms of material deemed harmful to state stability - from subversive incitement, separatist encouragement, to threats to national unity - are strictly prohibited.
The regulator also encourages service providers to filter content that contains sexual elements, extreme violence, horror, or discrimination based on ethnicity or region. On the other hand, platforms are asked to be more proactive in dealing with users who show signs of depression or suicidal tendencies, including by providing professional intervention and assistance.
This move is part of China's broader strategy for managing digital transformation. In the latest five-year policy blueprint released last March, the government reaffirmed its ambition to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across all sectors of the economy, while maintaining strict control over social and security risks.
With this regulation, China is showing a two-sided approach: aggressively encouraging AI innovation, but still maintaining a strong fence. In the midst of a global race in digital technology, Beijing seems to want to ensure that progress does not come at an uncontrollable social cost.
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