China Prepares to Ban Gambling Content for AI Chatbots

On December 27, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) published a draft set of rules for AI services that imitate human personalities and interact emotionally with users.

Draft of New Rules for AI Services

AI Categories Under Regulation

The document applies to AI chatbots and other services capable of holding conversations, showing emotions, and creating the effect of human-like interaction.

Ban on Certain Types of Content

The draft rules propose banning the generation of content related to gambling, pornography, and violence. Restrictions also cover materials that include calls for suicide and self-harm.

Requirements for Risk Response

Life-Threatening Situations

If a user explicitly states an intention to commit suicide, the platform must transfer the conversation to a human operator.

Notification of Guardians and Contacts

In such cases, the service must notify the user’s guardian or the designated emergency contact.

Restrictions for Minors

Access With Parental Consent

Minors will be allowed to use emotional interaction features only with parental consent.

Time Limits

These users will also be subject to time limits on the use of such features.

Requirements for Large Platforms

User Thresholds

Services with more than 1 million registered users or over 100,000 MAU fall under additional requirements.

Security Assessment and Reporting

Such platforms must conduct a security assessment and submit a report to the provincial CAC office.

Public Discussion Timeline

Consultation Period

The public discussion of the draft rules will continue until January 25, 2026.

Expert Assessment of the Initiative

Commentary From International Experts

A professor at NYU School of Law, commenting to CNBC, described the draft as the first attempt in the world to regulate AI that imitates human communication at the legislative level.