China’s Draft Rules to Regulate Human‑Like AI Systems — Technology Analysis

Introduction 

In December 2025, China’s Cyberspace Administration released a significant draft regulation targeting human-like artificial intelligence (AI) systems, marking a major development in the global AI governance landscape. These regulations are designed to oversee AI technologies that mimic human traits such as personality, emotional intelligence, and social interaction, including advanced chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI companions that engage users in realistic conversational and emotional contexts. By defining clear rules for how these AI systems should operate, China is signaling that AI is no longer just a tool for automation or data analysis—it is increasingly becoming a participant in human social and emotional spaces, capable of influencing behavior, thought processes, and emotional well-being. Discover the Best Autonomous Systems & Robotics in 2025: How Smart Machines Are Transforming Work & Life (For Beginners)

The draft regulations focus on several key aspects: user safety, transparency, ethical use, content control, and lifecycle accountability. Unlike traditional AI oversight frameworks that primarily emphasize technical performance, security, and data protection, these rules also address the psychological and societal impact of human-like AI systems. This represents a forward-thinking approach, as regulators recognize that AI systems designed to simulate human traits can have profound effects on users, particularly when deployed extensively in daily life or sensitive applications like mental health support, education, or elderly care.

One of the most noteworthy elements of these draft rules is the requirement for transparency and repeated user notification. Human-like AI systems must clearly indicate to users that they are interacting with AI, rather than a human, not only at login but also periodically throughout extended interactions and when patterns of overdependence are detected. This is critical because the more AI systems emulate human behavior, the higher the risk of users forming emotional attachments or misinterpreting AI responses as genuine human empathy. By mandating such transparency, the regulations set a precedent for responsible design practices that prioritize user understanding and informed engagement.

Another significant focus is on psychological risk monitoring. The regulations emphasize that AI developers must implement mechanisms to detect when users display signs of overreliance or emotional dependency. This includes issuing warnings or temporarily limiting access if necessary to prevent negative impacts on mental health. Such requirements highlight an evolving recognition within technology governance: AI systems are not just tools but entities that can influence human behavior and social well-being, making responsible deployment and monitoring an essential part of development and operations.

Content control and ethical boundaries also form a central pillar of the regulations. Human-like AI systems are prohibited from generating content that could be harmful, misleading, or inappropriate. This includes restrictions on outputs that could affect mental health, propagate misinformation, or encourage unsafe behavior. By establishing these “red lines,” China is ensuring that AI systems adhere to a socially responsible framework, providing guidance to developers on maintaining ethical standards in AI interaction design. This is particularly relevant as AI systems increasingly become capable of personalized interaction and influence, where content decisions can have wide-reaching consequences for individuals and society.

The regulations also highlight lifecycle accountability, requiring continuous oversight from AI design and development to deployment and retirement. Developers are expected to maintain robust monitoring systems, conduct ongoing risk assessments, and ensure compliance with safety and ethical standards throughout the product lifecycle. This holistic approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of AI as a dynamic technology that must be responsibly managed at every stage to safeguard users and society.

Finally, these draft rules have broader implications for AI governance worldwide. By addressing not only technical performance but also emotional, psychological, and ethical considerations, China is pioneering a model of human-centered AI regulation. The draft regulations serve as a benchmark for other countries considering how to balance innovation, user safety, and ethical oversight in rapidly evolving AI ecosystems. For global technology developers, this signals the growing importance of designing AI systems that are transparent, safe, and socially responsible, while remaining compliant with evolving international standards.

In summary, China’s draft regulations for human-like AI systems mark a transformative moment in the governance of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of transparency, user protection, ethical standards, and lifecycle oversight. These regulations signal to developers, policymakers, and technology professionals worldwide that the era of AI is not only about innovation and capability—it is equally about responsibility, trust, and aligning technology with human values. The coming months, particularly the public consultation period ending in January 2026, will determine the final form of these regulations, shaping the future of human-like AI deployment and setting global benchmarks for ethical, safe, and innovative AI development.

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Defining “Human-Like AI”

Human-like AI refers to systems capable of mimicking human behavior, personality, and emotional responses across text, audio, video, or interactive platforms. Unlike traditional AI systems that perform analytical tasks or automation, these systems engage users in conversational or emotional interactions, creating a sense of companionship or personalized guidance.

Applications include:

• Conversational AI with personality traits

• Virtual AI companions for mental wellness or coaching

• Interactive avatars and virtual assistants with emotional intelligence

By explicitly defining these systems, the draft rules clarify the scope of AI governance and the responsibilities of developers and service providers.

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Key Requirements of the Draft Regulations

The draft outlines multiple requirements aimed at protecting users, ensuring transparency, and maintaining ethical standards.

1. Transparency and User Awareness

Platforms must clearly notify users that they are interacting with AI systems rather than humans. Notifications must be provided:

• Upon login

• Every two hours of interaction

• When the system detects signs of user overdependence

This ensures that users understand the nature of AI interactions and mitigates risks of emotional overattachment.

2. Lifecycle Accountability

AI developers must assume responsibility for safety throughout the product lifecycle, including:

• Algorithm design and ethical review

• Security testing and data protection

• Ongoing monitoring and updates

Lifecycle oversight ensures that AI systems remain safe and compliant from development to deployment and retirement.

3. Psychological Risk Detection

Human-like AI systems must monitor user interactions for psychological risk, including:

• Emotional dependency

• Excessive engagement or usage

• Potential mental health concerns

If risk patterns are detected, the system must warn users or limit interaction to prevent harm, emphasizing the importance of user well-being in AI design.

4. Content Boundaries

The draft rules prohibit AI systems from producing content that could:

• Spread misinformation or false claims

• Encourage violence or harmful behavior

• Cause emotional distress or psychological harm

This ensures that AI-generated content adheres to ethical and social standards, protecting both individuals and broader society.

5. Special Protection for Vulnerable Groups

The draft regulations recommend additional safeguards for minors and elderly users, who may be more susceptible to emotional influence. Developers may implement:

• Consent mechanisms

• Age verification

• Usage restrictions

• Safety alerts for vulnerable populations

These measures help prevent misuse of AI systems and reinforce responsible deployment.

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Implications for AI Developers

Compliance Requirements

Companies developing human-like AI for China or global markets may need to:

• Add transparency layers in all AI interfaces

• Integrate psychological risk monitoring tools

• Update content moderation and safety protocols

• Conduct lifecycle risk assessments and maintain compliance documentation

These operational changes may require technical, policy, and legal adjustments but will ensure long-term alignment with regulatory expectations.

Innovation Opportunities

Despite the strict oversight, the draft rules encourage innovation under regulated conditions, including:

• Risk-based sandbox environments for testing new AI features

• Opportunities for ethical AI research and development

• Focus on safe, responsible human-like interactions

This framework allows developers to explore next-generation AI experiences without compromising user safety or regulatory compliance.

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Global Context — Comparing AI Regulation Approaches

European Union

The EU’s AI Act focuses on risk categorization and safety standards, but it does not explicitly regulate emotional or human-like interactions. China’s draft goes further by addressing psychological impact and user dependency, offering a novel governance model.

United States

U.S. AI policy is currently sectoral and fragmented, with guidance issued by multiple agencies. Unlike China’s centralized approach, U.S. policy emphasizes market-driven innovation with privacy safeguards, leaving less clarity on emotional risk or lifecycle accountability.

China’s draft highlights a comprehensive regulatory model that balances innovation with ethical and psychological safeguards, potentially influencing global AI policy trends.

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Why These Regulations Matter

1. User Safety and Mental Health: AI systems that mimic human interaction can influence behavior and emotions. Regulating these interactions protects users from psychological harm.

2. Ethical AI Standards: Developers are required to design systems that adhere to societal and ethical norms.

3. Lifecycle Accountability: Continuous oversight from development to retirement ensures long-term compliance and safety.

4. Market Implications: AI startups and established companies must integrate safety, transparency, and monitoring tools into their products, potentially reshaping innovation strategies.

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Challenges and Considerations

Balancing Innovation and Compliance

Strict rules may increase compliance costs and require additional engineering resources. Developers must find the right balance between innovation and regulatory adherence to remain competitive.

Implementation Complexity

Monitoring emotional dependence and intervening when necessary involves advanced analytics, AI modeling, and real-time detection, which could raise technical and privacy challenges.

Global Influence

China’s draft rules may influence other countries as AI systems become increasingly global. Developers might adopt similar user safety and transparency measures worldwide to align with evolving standards.

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Next Steps

The public consultation period ends January 25, 2026. Tech companies, AI researchers, and policymakers can submit feedback that may shape the final regulations.

Once finalized, these rules will guide the design and deployment of human-like AI systems in China and potentially inspire global best practices for ethical, transparent, and safe AI.

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Conclusion 

China’s draft regulations for human-like AI systems represent a pivotal development in the global landscape of artificial intelligence governance. By focusing not only on technical performance and data security but also on ethical standards, transparency, psychological safety, and lifecycle accountability, these rules establish a comprehensive framework for how AI systems should operate when they mimic human traits. This regulatory approach signals a broader recognition that AI is no longer just a tool for automation or information processing—it is increasingly becoming a participant in human social and emotional spaces, capable of influencing behavior, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Explore Our Top Agentic & Generative AI in 2025 Post: How Autonomous AI Agents Are Changing Work (For Beginners)

The emphasis on transparency is particularly significant. For decades, AI systems have operated behind the scenes, often without users fully understanding how their data is used or how the AI is generating responses. Human-like AI adds a new layer of complexity because users may perceive these systems as companions, mentors, or even friends. The draft rules’ requirement that users be clearly informed they are interacting with AI, repeatedly and consistently, ensures that technology remains interpretable and accountable, preventing misunderstanding and fostering responsible user engagement. This is a lesson not only for companies operating in China but also for global developers: transparency must be embedded into AI design from the earliest stages of development.

Another cornerstone of these draft regulations is the focus on psychological risk and emotional well-being. The rules recognize that human-like AI systems can create dependency, particularly among vulnerable populations such as minors and the elderly. By mandating monitoring of user interactions and interventions when excessive reliance is detected, the regulations push developers to consider the human impact of AI beyond traditional metrics like accuracy or speed. This approach encourages the design of AI systems that are empathetic not in a manipulative sense but in a way that supports and protects users, reinforcing the principle that responsible AI must align with human values and social welfare.

Ethical boundaries and content governance are equally vital. Human-like AI systems have the capacity to generate text, audio, or visual content that could influence opinions, behavior, or emotional states. The draft rules set clear limitations, prohibiting outputs that could spread misinformation, encourage harmful behavior, or otherwise compromise safety. This not only protects users but also ensures that AI development aligns with societal norms and expectations. By codifying these “red lines,” China is signaling to developers that technical innovation must coexist with ethical responsibility, an approach that will likely influence AI governance discussions globally.

From a developer and innovation perspective, these regulations are not solely restrictive—they also present an opportunity. Companies that integrate transparency, safety, and ethical oversight into their human-like AI systems early on will not only comply with regulations but will also gain a competitive advantage in a market where trust and safety are increasingly valued. These rules encourage the creation of advanced AI systems that are both innovative and socially responsible, fostering an ecosystem where technology can evolve without compromising user well-being.

Finally, the draft regulations underscore the importance of lifecycle accountability. By requiring continuous oversight from design to deployment and beyond, they compel developers to view AI as a living system that must be maintained, monitored, and updated responsibly. This holistic perspective helps prevent harm, ensures compliance over time, and establishes a precedent for future AI regulations worldwide.

In summary, China’s draft rules for human-like AI systems are more than a set of compliance guidelines—they are a blueprint for responsible, ethical, and human-centered AI development. They remind technology leaders, policymakers, and researchers that as AI becomes increasingly capable of human-like interaction, its impact on society, psychology, and daily life cannot be ignored. By prioritizing transparency, psychological safety, ethical content, and lifecycle oversight, these regulations provide a clear framework for building AI systems that are not only powerful and intelligent but also trustworthy, safe, and aligned with human values. Learn Why AI Governance & Safety in 2025: How to Build Trust and Responsible Innovation (For Beginners)

For developers and companies around the world, these regulations offer lessons on how to create AI experiences that inspire trust, protect users, and foster innovation responsibly. In the rapidly evolving landscape of human-like AI, adherence to such principles is not only good practice—it is essential for building a sustainable and ethical future for artificial intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

China’s draft regulations are proposed rules designed to govern artificial intelligence systems that mimic human traits such as personality, emotional intelligence, and social interaction. The regulations focus on transparency, ethical use, psychological safety, content control, and lifecycle accountability.

Human-like AI refers to systems that engage users through realistic conversation or emotional interaction, including advanced chatbots, AI companions, emotionally responsive virtual assistants, and interactive avatars designed to simulate human behavior.

The regulations require repeated disclosure to prevent emotional overdependence and confusion. As AI systems become more human-like, users may form emotional attachments, so transparency helps maintain awareness and protects mental well-being.

Developers must implement monitoring mechanisms to detect emotional dependency, excessive usage, or psychological distress. If such risks are identified, the AI system must warn users or limit interactions to prevent harm.

Human-like AI systems are prohibited from generating harmful, misleading, or unsafe content, including misinformation, encouragement of dangerous behavior, or content that could negatively impact mental health.

AI developers will need to add transparency notices, psychological risk monitoring, ethical safeguards, and continuous lifecycle oversight. While this increases compliance efforts, it also promotes responsible innovation and user trust.

Yes. By addressing emotional and psychological impacts of AI, China’s draft regulations introduce a human-centered governance model that may influence how other countries regulate advanced and human-like AI systems.