China Tightens AI Regulations to Protect Children

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has published a draft of strict new regulations for the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. According to BBC, the primary objective of these requirements is to ensure that chatbots do not provide advice to children related to self-harm, violence, or gambling.

Key points of the new regulations:

•  Guardian Oversight: AI companies will be required to set usage time limits for children and obtain parental consent before offering emotional companionship services.
• Emergency Response: If a conversation detects suicidal thoughts or tendencies, a human specialist must immediately intervene, replacing the chatbot, and notify the user's relatives.
• State Interests: The dissemination of information through AI that undermines national security or damages the state's reputation is strictly prohibited.

The popularity of Chinese AI products such as DeepSeek, Z.ai, and Minimax has surged globally this year. In response, Chinese authorities are taking these steps to ensure the technology is directed into a safe and beneficial channel.