China’s top internet and industrial regulators have jointly unveiled a landmark regulatory framework targeting artificial intelligence designed to mimic human interaction. The 'Interim Measures for the Management of Artificial Intelligence Anthropomorphic Interaction Services,' issued by a coalition of five departments including the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), is set to take effect on July 15, 2026. This move signals Beijing’s intent to lead the global discourse on the ethical and social guardrails required as AI begins to sound, act, and 'feel' increasingly human.
Moving beyond general generative AI rules, these specific measures focus on the nuances of human-like engagement, ranging from digital companions for the elderly to cultural dissemination tools. The policy emphasizes a 'people-oriented' and 'AI for good' philosophy, balancing the need for technological innovation with strict security oversight. By implementing a tiered and classified management system, the government aims to encourage development in specific sectors while maintaining a firm grip on the psychological and social impact of these technologies.
At the heart of the regulation is a suite of safety obligations for service providers, including algorithm filing and security assessments. Prohibitions remain stark: any AI-generated content that threatens national security, undermines state power, or challenges the socialist system is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, the measures introduce an 'AI security sandbox' platform, allowing for experimental innovation under controlled supervision to mitigate risks before wide-scale public deployment.
Protections for vulnerable demographics are a cornerstone of the new measures, with explicit mandates to safeguard the rights of minors and the elderly. Providers are now legally obligated to ensure that anthropomorphic interactions do not lead to psychological manipulation or the exploitation of personal data. As AI companions become more prevalent in Chinese households, the state is positioning itself as the ultimate arbiter of the boundaries between man and machine, ensuring that digital intimacy does not translate into social instability.