China issues drafts rules to regulate AI with human-like interaction

China’s cyber regulator on Saturday issued ‍draft rules for public comment that would tighten oversight of ⁠artificial intelligence services designed to simulate human personalities and engage users in emotional interaction.

The move underscores Beijing’s effort to shape ‌the rapid rollout ‌of consumer-facing AI by strengthening safety and ethical requirements.

The proposed rules ‌would apply to AI products and services offered to the public in China that present simulated human personality traits, thinking patterns and communication styles, and interact with users emotionally through text, images, audio, video or other means.