*China Drafts Law Regulating 'Digital Humans' and Banning Addictive Virtual Services for Children*
China's government has proposed regulations on the rapidly growing sector of digital humans and AI avatars. According to a Reuters report, the draft rules aim to govern the creation and use of digital humans, which are computer-generated human-like characters.
*Digital Human Content Regulations*
Under the proposed regulations, digital human content must be clearly labeled to distinguish it from real individuals. This is in line with existing laws in China that require online content providers to clearly label AI-generated content. The new draft rules also state that digital human content cannot be used to offer virtual intimate relationships to anyone under 18. This is a direct response to concerns about the potential for digital humans to be used to exploit or manipulate children.
*Personal Data Protection and Addiction Prevention*
The draft rules also prohibit the unauthorized use of personal data to create avatars. This is a significant step in protecting individuals' personal information and preventing the misuse of their data. Additionally, the legislation targets services designed to fuel addiction or bypass identity verification systems. This includes services that provide rewards or incentives for frequent or prolonged use, as well as those that allow users to bypass age or identity verification requirements.
*Impact on the Digital Human Sector*
The proposed regulations are likely to have a significant impact on the digital human sector in China. Companies that create and sell digital humans, such as virtual influencers and AI avatars, will need to comply with the new regulations. This may involve implementing age verification systems, clearly labeling digital human content, and ensuring that digital humans are not used to exploit or manipulate individuals.
*Conclusion*
The proposed regulations on digital humans and AI avatars are a significant step in regulating the rapidly expanding sector. By clearly labeling digital human content and prohibiting the use of personal data to create avatars, China's government is taking steps to protect individuals' personal information and prevent the misuse of digital humans. The regulations also aim to prevent the exploitation of children and addiction-fueled behavior. As the digital human sector continues to grow, it is likely that other countries will follow China's lead and implement similar regulations.