What happened
On April 10, 2026, China's NDRC, MIIT, Ministry of Public Security, and SAMR jointly released the Interim Measures for the Management of Anthropomorphic AI Interaction Services, taking effect July 15, 2026. The measures regulate AI services simulating human personality traits, thinking patterns, and communication styles through continuous emotional interaction.
Why it matters
This is China's first comprehensive regulation specifically targeting emotionally interactive AI systems. It mandates full lifecycle security responsibilities, algorithmic review mechanisms, ethics reviews, and prohibits virtual intimate relationships for minors—setting a global precedent for AI companion regulation.
Action needed
AI companies deploying anthropomorphic or emotionally interactive AI services in China must implement safeguards including algorithmic review mechanisms, ethics review processes, and minor-protection controls by July 15, 2026. Review product roadmaps for any features involving sustained emotional AI interaction.