China: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology closes consultation on proposed standard on metaverse classification and identification requirements for digital human identity

On 30 January 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology closes the consultation for a proposed standard on metaverse classification and identification requirements for digital human identity. The proposed standard would aim to establish an identification mechanism for "digital humans", which are artificially generated digital characters resembling humans. According to the Ministry, the use of digital humans for online hosting, e-commerce livestreaming, brand marketing, customer services, and education has become widespread. In the absence of an identification mechanism, impersonation, fraud, and the spread of harmful information have become more widespread. The standard would set out an identification system for digital humans used for commercial or dissemination purposes, alongside management and registration requirements.