Chinese AI rules are moving closer to reality as regulators outline how chatbots and human-like AI systems should behave. A newly released draft from China’s top internet authority suggests future AI products must reflect approved social values, clearly identify themselves as artificial, and protect user data. For people wondering whether China plans to regulate AI personalities, emotional chatbots, and virtual companions, the answer appears to be yes. The proposal signals a broader push to shape how AI interacts with citizens. Public feedback is now open, hinting that changes could arrive sooner rather than later.
Chinese AI Rules Target Human-Like AI Systems
The draft was issued by China’s Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and first reported by Bloomberg. Rather than focusing only on traditional chatbots, the document takes a wider view of AI systems that simulate human personalities. These include products that communicate through text, images, audio, or video while engaging users emotionally. Regulators appear concerned not just with what AI says, but how it makes people feel. By defining the scope broadly, the rules could affect virtual assistants, AI companions, and digital avatars. This approach reflects growing unease about emotionally persuasive AI.
Core Socialist Values at the Center of AI Design
One of the most striking elements of the proposal is the requirement that AI products align with “core socialist values.” Translations from Bloomberg and Google Gemini suggest this phrase is central to the document’s intent. Developers would be expected to ensure that AI personalities promote approved social norms and avoid content that conflicts with them. This requirement goes beyond technical safety into ideological alignment. It reinforces China’s long-standing practice of embedding political values into digital platforms. For global AI companies, this could raise compliance challenges.
Transparency and User Rights Under Chinese AI Rules
The draft also emphasizes transparency and user control. AI systems must clearly identify themselves as non-human, reducing the risk of deception. Users would have the right to delete their interaction histories, a move aimed at improving trust and accountability. The document also states that personal data cannot be used to train AI models without explicit consent. These measures echo global concerns about data privacy and informed usage. While value alignment is uniquely Chinese, some user protections mirror international best practices.
Emotional AI Faces New Restrictions
Another key focus of the proposal is emotional manipulation. AI products designed to build emotional bonds with users appear to face stricter scrutiny. Regulators seem wary of AI personalities that could influence beliefs, behavior, or decision-making in subtle ways. By setting behavioral boundaries, China is attempting to curb potential psychological risks. This reflects a broader global debate about AI companionship and emotional dependency. The rules suggest China wants emotional AI firmly under regulatory control.
Public Consultation Signals Imminent Change
The commission is inviting public comments on the draft until January 25, 2026. While the language remains broad and non-technical, the consultation phase suggests the government is serious about implementation. Historically, such drafts often evolve into enforceable rules with limited structural changes. Developers operating in China may need to prepare early. The consultation also allows authorities to gauge public sentiment on AI personality regulation. That feedback could shape how strict the final rules become.
What Chinese AI Rules Mean for the Global AI Industry
If adopted, these rules could influence how AI products are designed not only in China but worldwide. Companies may need China-specific AI models that differ from global versions. The emphasis on values, transparency, and emotional safety could inspire similar debates in other countries. At the same time, the ideological component highlights how differently governments approach AI governance. As AI personalities grow more lifelike, China’s draft rules offer a glimpse into one possible regulatory future.
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