China's Regulatory Clampdown on Human-Like AI Services
Main Take
China is tightening its grip on AI services that mimic human emotions. This move reflects a broader strategy to manage technological influence and social behavior. The implications extend beyond regulation; they signal a preference for control over innovation.
Who Should Care
Expect increased compliance costs for AI service providers in China.
Watch for limitations on AI capabilities due to stringent regulatory frameworks.
Prepare for design challenges in creating compliant emotional AI systems.
Related Articles (5)
China drafts strict rules for emotional, human-like AI services
China’s cyberspace regulator released draft rules on December 27, 2025 to govern AI services that simulate human personalities and emotional interaction. The measures require providers to label AI clearly, monitor users for signs of addiction, and block content that threatens national security or violates socialist values.
China drafts strict rules for human-like AI companion apps
China’s Cyberspace Administration released draft rules on December 27 to tightly regulate AI services that simulate human personalities and offer emotional interaction. The proposals require providers to warn against overuse, intervene in cases of addiction, and implement lifecycle safety, data security, and content controls. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-issues-drafts-rules-regulate-ai-with-human-like-interaction-2025-12-27/))
China draft AI rules tighten controls on human-like chatbots
China’s Cyberspace Administration released draft “interim measures” on December 27, 2025 to regulate anthropomorphic AI services that mimic human personalities and emotions. Providers must clearly label AI interactions, prevent over‑dependence, and conduct security assessments for systems that reach 1 million registered or 100,000 monthly active users.([english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20251227/b28f826397cf4a03aca8a6c8952e4b30/c.html?utm_source=openai))
China draft rules clamp down on human‑like AI companion services
On December 27, 2025, China’s Cyberspace Administration published draft rules for anthropomorphic AI interaction services, including emotional companion chatbots. Providers must clearly disclose when users are interacting with AI and issue reminders at least every two hours, with extra protections for minors and elderly users.
China draft AI personality rules tighten control on emotional chatbots
China’s Cyberspace Administration published draft rules on December 27, 2025 to regulate AI services that simulate human personalities and engage in emotional interaction. On December 28, outlets in China and abroad detailed the proposed requirements, including content red lines, addiction safeguards, and mandatory ‘core socialist values’ alignment for anthropomorphic AI.
Discussion
Key Players
Delays AGI Timeline
This trend may slow progress toward AGI
China is tightening its grip on AI services that mimic human emotions. This move reflects a broader strategy to manage technological influence and social behavior. The implications extend beyond regulation; they signal a preference for control over innovation.
Timeline
5 eventsChina drafts strict rules for emotional, human-like AI services
The draft rules by China's Cyberspace Administration impose significant regulations on AI services that simulate human emotions, impacting major companies in the sector.
China drafts rules for human-like AI companion services
The proposed regulations require clear disclosure of AI interactions and impose safeguards against addiction, affecting multiple AI providers.
China releases draft AI rules on anthropomorphic services
The interim measures released by the Cyberspace Administration will regulate AI services that mimic human personalities, significantly impacting the industry.
China's draft rules tighten controls on human-like chatbots
The regulations introduced by China aim to control the use of emotional AI chatbots, which will have a substantial effect on how companies operate in this space.
China's Cyberspace Administration publishes draft rules for AI services
The draft rules focus on regulating AI services that simulate human emotions, which will significantly impact the operational landscape for AI companies.