n April 3, 2026, China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) released draft Measures for the Management of Digital Virtual Human Information Services (《数字虚拟人信息服务管理办法（征求意见稿）》), for public comment through May 6. These measures, if finalized, would regulate the use of “digital virtual humans” for a variety of commercial purposes online, including advertising. In effect, the draft extends and elaborates existing PRC rules on deep synthesis, AI-generated content, personal information protection and online information services, to the realm of digital avatars.
For the advertising industry, this is notable because the draft is not aimed only at AI developers. It appears designed to capture the broader commercial chain: brands, agencies, networks, service providers and platforms may all have responsibilities depending on their role.
