China: Cyberspace Administration closes consultation on draft Interim Measures for the Administration of Anthropomorphic Interactive Artificial Intelligence Services including age verification requirement

On 25 January 2026, the Cyberspace Administration of China closes a consultation on the draft Interim Measures for the Administration of Anthropomorphic Interactive Artificial Intelligence Services, including age verification requirement. The measures apply to anthropomorphic interactive AI services, defined as services which simulate human personality, thinking patterns and communication styles and interact with humans through text, pictures, audio, video, or by other means. Article 12 would require providers of anthropomorphic AI services to identify minors and suspected minor users, switching to minor mode if necessary. Further, guardians of minor users would need to be able to control settings, receive real-time security risk reminders, consult summaries of use, block certain functionalities, and limit time of use.