Interim Measures on the Administration of Human-like Interactive Artificial Intelligence Services

The "Interim Measures on the Administration of Human-like Interactive Artificial Intelligence Services" (Joint Order No. 21, April 2026) was promulgated jointly by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, and the State Administration for Market Regulation. It takes effect on 15 July 2026 and applies to AI services that offer the domestic public sustained emotional interaction simulating natural-person traits, excluding purely functional offerings such as routine customer support or tutoring without that emotional dynamic. The strategy combines development and security: providers must meet duties on algorithm review, ethics, content safety, data security, risk plans, clear AI disclosure, minor protection (including restrictions on virtual intimate relationships for minors), elder safeguards, user exit rights, logging, and security assessments when thresholds are met. App stores must verify assessment and filing compliance. Violations can draw warnings, orders to correct, service suspensions, and fines up to prescribed caps, with higher bands where life and health are at stake.