China regulates AI services simulating human emotional interaction

China has established a new regulatory framework for artificial intelligence services that simulate human characteristics and provide continuous emotional interaction. The rules, published on April 10, 2026, and effective as of July 15, specifically target services designed to act as digital companions, friends, or relatives.

The regulations place a heavy emphasis on the protection of minors. Providers are prohibited from offering virtual intimate relationships, such as digital partners or relatives, to minors. For children under the age of 14, access to other forms of anthropomorphic interaction requires parental consent and includes provisions for parental supervision.

For general users, companies must clearly disclose that they are communicating with an AI. Additionally, services are required to remind users of the duration of use whenever continuous interaction exceeds two hours. The framework aims to prevent services from targeting social withdrawal or fostering addiction, shifting the responsibility of ethical design onto the product developers.