China's cyberspace regulator has released a draft regulation to strengthen oversight of digital human services, and is now soliciting public opinion.

The Cyberspace Administration of China announced the draft, which is open for public comment until May 6. It aims to foster  healthy development and standardized application of digital human information services.

The draft defines digital humans as virtual digital figures that exist in non-physical environments, employ technologies including graphics, digital image processing and artificial intelligence, simulate human appearance through real-human or algorithm driving modes, and feature voice, behavior, interaction capability and personality.

It stipulates that no organization or individual may use digital humans with identifiable traits of specific natural persons without their consent, or use digital human services to infringe upon others' personality rights in any form such as defamation or insult.

Notably, the draft prohibits inducing minors to become addicted to digital humans through virtual services. It bans offering virtual intimate relationships such as virtual relatives or partners to minors, as well as services that encourage excessive consumption, promote religious indoctrination, or contain content that may cause or encourage minors to imitate unsafe behaviors.

Any organization or individual that uses an individual's sensitive personal information for modeling, image generation or scenario construction must obtain that the person's explicit informed consent, and disclose relevant details truthfully, accurately and completely in a prominent and easily understandable manner.

From the commencement of digital human services, the document requires service providers offering interactive digital human services (including voice chat) to display a prominent "digital human" label continuously alongside related content.

Huang Yongfeng, an expert and researcher at Zhongguancun Laboratory, said the draft provides important institutional support for high‑quality development of the digital economy and building China's cyber strength.

"From a national perspective, it improves the institutional system for cyberspace security governance. For the industry, it sets clear compliance boundaries for the digital human sector and safeguards technological innovation. Globally, it offers a Chinese solution for digital virtual human governance and advances the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace," Huang said.