What happened
In early October 2026, Beijing's E-Town regulatory sandbox began issuing official ID credentials (e.g. 'Digital Artist Cards') to AI-generated virtual performers, linking each avatar to its operating company for commercial accountability. This operationalises CAC rules announced in April 2026 requiring service providers of human-like AI to register and identify AI-generated humans across the ~1.3-million-company AI digital-human sector.
Why it matters
It moves China's regulation of AI-generated humans from rule text to enforceable identity registration, creating accountability and anti-fraud infrastructure for virtual influencers and AI-virtual personas doing commercial business.
Action needed
Companies operating AI-generated virtual performers or influencers in China should register identities through the pilot and ensure the operating company is linked to each avatar for accountability.