China's Cyberspace Administration Drafts Regulations for Digital Humans — Labelling, Child Protection, and National Security

<h2>Regulation of Digital Humans in China</h2> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Cyberspace Administration of China — the central authority that formulates and enforces internet and cybersecurity policies in China (GS2: Polity)">Cyberspace Administration of China</span> (CAC) released a draft set of rules on <strong>4 April 2026</strong> to govern the rapidly expanding sector of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Digital humans — AI‑generated virtual avatars that can interact with users through text, voice or visual media, increasingly used in entertainment, commerce and services (GS3: Technology)">digital humans</span>. The draft, open for public comment until 6 May 2026, seeks to impose clear labelling, protect minors, and safeguard national security as China pushes the integration of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Artificial intelligence (AI) — computer systems that perform tasks requiring human intelligence, a strategic sector for economic growth and security (GS3: Technology & Economy)">AI</span> across its economy.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>All content featuring digital humans must carry a prominent <strong>“digital human” label</strong>.</li> <li>Providing “virtual intimate relationships” to users under 18 is prohibited.</li> <li>Creating digital humans using another person’s personal data without consent is banned.</li> <li>Digital humans cannot be used to circumvent identity‑verification mechanisms.</li> <li>Content that threatens <span class="key-term" data-definition="National security — protection of a nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, a core concern in policy regulation (GS2: Polity)">national security</span>, incites subversion, promotes secession, or undermines unity is strictly forbidden.</li> <li>Providers must block sexually suggestive, horror‑type, cruel, or discriminatory content.</li> <li>Platforms are required to intervene and offer professional help when users show suicidal or self‑harm tendencies.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Provisions</h3> <ul> <li>The draft fills a regulatory vacuum in the digital‑human ecosystem, establishing “red lines” for healthy industry growth.</li> <li>It aligns with the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Five‑year policy blueprint — a medium‑term development plan outlining strategic priorities, a key instrument of Chinese governance (GS2: Polity)">five‑year policy blueprint</span> released in March 2026, which emphasizes aggressive AI adoption.</li> <li>Regulation is framed as a strategic scientific issue, linking cyberspace security, public interest, and high‑quality digital‑economy development.</li> </ul> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding these regulations is vital for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Technology & Economy). The draft illustrates how a major power uses legal instruments to steer emerging technologies, protect minors, and enforce ideological conformity. It also highlights the intersection of technology governance with national security—a recurring theme in contemporary international relations and domestic policy analysis.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Stakeholders, including tech firms and civil society, should engage in the public‑comment process before 6 May 2026 to shape practical implementation. For aspirants, tracking the evolution of China’s AI policy offers insights into global regulatory trends, the balance between innovation and control, and the broader implications for digital sovereignty.</p>