### China Takes Bold Steps to Regulate Human-Like AI Interactions In a significant move to oversee the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, China has issued draft regulations aimed at governing AI systems that simulate human-like interactions. These proposed rules are designed to address the ethical, safety, and psychological implications of AI technologies that engage users on an emotional level. The regulations are part of a broader initiative to manage the rapid deployment of consumer-facing AI technologies, reflecting China's commitment to ensuring that these innovations are both safe and responsible. The draft rules are currently open for public comment, indicating a desire for transparency and stakeholder engagement in the regulatory process [https://www.republicworld.com/tech/china-issues-draft-rules-to-regulate-ai-with-human-like-interaction]. ### Structure of the Proposed Regulations 1. **Scope of Regulation**: The draft rules specifically target AI products and services that exhibit human-like personality traits and communication styles, focusing on those that engage users emotionally [https://www.policycircle.org/policy/ai-regulation-china-ai-rules]. 2. **User Safety Measures**: Providers will be required to implement measures to monitor user behavior, issue warnings against excessive use, and intervene when signs of addiction are detected [https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/china-issues-drafts-rules-to-regulate-ai-with-human-like-interaction/article70448305.ece]. 3. **Data Protection and Transparency**: The regulations mandate that AI services adhere to strict data protection protocols and ensure transparency in their operations, aligning with core socialist values [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/china-proposes-new-rules-for-human-like-ai-mandates-transparency-and-security]. 4. **Ethical Guidelines**: The rules emphasize the need for ethical considerations in AI development, requiring that AI systems do not manipulate users or promote harmful behaviors [https://www.thedailystar.net/tech-startup/news/china-proposes-rules-human-ai-service-4067686]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **User Engagement**: With China's generative AI user base reaching **515 million**, the need for regulatory oversight is underscored by the potential psychological risks associated with AI companions [https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/china-issues-draft-rules-to-regulate-ai-with-human-like-interaction-and-emotional-engagement-22623]. - **Public Feedback**: The draft regulations are currently open for public comment, reflecting a commitment to stakeholder engagement and transparency in the regulatory process [https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/27/12/2025/china-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-rules-for-anthropomorphic-ai-services]. - **International Context**: Similar regulatory efforts are being observed globally, with California also taking steps to address the psychological impacts of AI companions, indicating a growing recognition of the need for oversight in this area [https://the-decoder.com/china-proposes-rules-to-combat-ai-companion-addiction]. ### Conclusion: A Comprehensive Approach to AI Regulation **China's draft regulations represent a proactive approach to managing the complexities of human-like AI interactions.** The proposed rules aim to ensure user safety, protect data, and uphold ethical standards in AI development. The key points of the regulations include: 1. **Targeting AI with Human-Like Traits**: Focus on systems that engage users emotionally. 2. **Implementing User Safety Measures**: Monitoring and intervention strategies to prevent addiction. 3. **Ensuring Data Protection and Transparency**: Mandating strict adherence to data security protocols. 4. **Establishing Ethical Guidelines**: Preventing manipulative practices in AI interactions. As these regulations move forward, they could set a global precedent for how countries manage the intersection of technology and human interaction, balancing innovation with necessary oversight [https://www.tech360.tv/china-releases-draft-regulations-oversee-ai-humanlike-interactions].