China Shifts AI Regulation Toward Emotional Safety
China has proposed sweeping new rules aimed at limiting how artificial intelligence chatbots influence human emotions. The draft regulations were released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, marking a significant evolution in the country’s AI oversight framework. Unlike earlier policies focused mainly on content safety, the new proposal addresses psychological and emotional risks directly. Officials argue that emotionally immersive AI systems pose unique dangers when left unchecked.
The rules target what regulators describe as “human-like interactive AI services.” These include chatbots that simulate personality traits and form emotional connections through text, voice, images, or video. Authorities say such systems can deepen user dependence and potentially worsen mental health outcomes. The public comment period runs until January 25, after which the rules may be finalized.
Suicide and Self-Harm Protections Take Center Stage
Preventing suicide and self-harm sits at the core of the proposed regulations. AI chatbots would be explicitly banned from generating content that encourages self-harm or emotional distress. If a user directly expresses suicidal intent, companies must ensure that a human immediately intervenes. Providers would also be required to notify a guardian or designated contact.
Regulators say these safeguards respond to growing global concern over AI-driven emotional influence. As chatbots become more empathetic and conversational, authorities worry users may treat them as substitutes for real human support. China’s approach aims to ensure that technology does not exploit vulnerability. Emotional well-being is framed as a public safety issue.
Gambling, Violence, and Obscene Content Restrictions
The draft rules also prohibit AI chatbots from producing gambling-related material. Obscene and violent content is similarly banned across all conversational formats. Regulators argue that emotionally persuasive AI could amplify addictive behaviors. This creates risks beyond those posed by traditional media platforms.
By extending these restrictions to interactive AI, China is closing what officials see as a regulatory gap. Conversational systems can personalize messaging in real time, making harmful content more impactful. The proposal aligns AI oversight with broader digital content laws. Authorities want consistency across all online services.
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Stronger Safeguards Introduced for Minors
Minors would receive enhanced protections under the proposed framework. Guardian consent would be mandatory before children can access AI emotional companionship services. Time limits would also be imposed to reduce excessive usage. Platforms must apply child-safe settings by default.
Even if users do not disclose their age, platforms would be required to determine whether a user is a minor. In cases of uncertainty, systems must apply protections automatically. Appeals would be allowed if restrictions are applied incorrectly. Regulators say these steps reflect growing concern about youth exposure to emotionally responsive AI.
Usage Limits and Platform Oversight Expanded
Additional provisions would require AI platforms to notify users after two hours of continuous interaction. This measure is intended to reduce emotional dependency on virtual companions. Regulators see prolonged engagement as a potential mental health risk. Usage reminders are meant to encourage balance.
Large AI platforms would also face mandatory security assessments. These apply to services with more than one million registered users or over 100,000 monthly active users. Reviews would evaluate emotional safety and risk management systems. Oversight would scale with platform influence.
AI Chatbot IPOs Face New Uncertainty
The proposal arrives shortly after two Chinese AI chatbot companies filed for Hong Kong listings. Minimax, known for its Talkie AI app, derives a significant portion of its revenue from virtual character interaction. Its domestic version, Xingye, reportedly attracts millions of users monthly. The timing has raised questions about regulatory impact.
Z.ai, also known as Zhipu, disclosed that its technology supports around 80 million devices. Neither company commented on how the rules might affect their IPO plans. Analysts expect compliance costs to rise. Emotional engagement features may need redesigning.
China Positions Itself as Global AI Rule-Setter
Chinese officials describe the draft rules as part of a broader push to shape global AI governance. Over the past year, Beijing has increased its involvement in international AI policy discussions. Experts say the proposal represents the world’s first attempt to regulate emotional influence in AI systems. This sets China apart from Western regulatory approaches.
Global scrutiny of AI mental health risks has intensified following lawsuits and public debate abroad. Leaders at companies like OpenAI have acknowledged challenges around suicide-related conversations. China’s move suggests emotional safety may become a new global regulatory frontier. The country is signaling its intent to lead.
