Tue, 30 Dec 2025

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 China to crack down on AI to protect children

The draft regulations are aimed to address concerns around chatbots, which have surged in popularity in recent months.
China proposes strict new rules for AI:
* Developers must ensure AI models don't promote self-harm, violence or gambling
* Chatbots can't offer advice on sensitive topics without human oversight
* Personalized settings and time limits required for children's AI usage
* Guardians must consent before AI provides emotional companionship services
* AI providers must ensure services don't endanger national security or interests Key measures:
* Immediate human intervention in conversations related to self-harm or suicide
* Notifications to guardians or emergency contacts if a child is at risk
* Prohibition on generating content that endangers national security or unity Background:
* China's AI industry has grown rapidly, with tens of millions of users and several startups planning to list on the stock market
* Recent cases have raised concerns about AI's impact on human behavior, including a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that ChatGPT encouraged self-harm
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