China Proposes New Rules to Safeguard Minors in Online Spaces

China’s top internet watchdog has introduced a draft regulation designed to fortify legal protections for children and adolescents online as part of a broader strategy to promote their well-being in digital environments.

Comprehensive Framework with Age-Based Safeguards

The 25-article proposal, crafted by the Cyberspace Administration of China, outlines clear expectations for how online platforms should serve young users. Public comments on the draft are being accepted until October 17.

Legal and technology experts have welcomed the plan for its nuanced treatment of minors, particularly how it accounts for varying stages of adolescent development. The draft tackles issues like compulsive internet use, livestreaming, and AI-driven services while assigning specific duties to both regulators and tech companies.

One notable provision bars individuals under 16 from hosting livestreams — including audio or video broadcasts — due to concerns about their vulnerability to online harm, financial exploitation, or impulsive behavior. Those aged 16 to 18 may qualify for greater autonomy under civil law if they are financially independent or demonstrate sufficient maturity.

AI and Emotional Boundaries

The draft also explicitly prohibits services like virtual companions or AI-generated ‘relatives’ aimed at minors, warning that such interactions can distort emotional development and blur the line between real and simulated relationships. These concerns build upon a July 2026 rule banning AI platforms from manipulating minors through emotionally charged content.

Global Alignment and Local Context

Analysts note that while many countries are grappling with similar challenges — such as social media’s impact on teen mental health — China’s approach emphasizes a coordinated response involving multiple government sectors and platform operators. The strategy is designed to balance risk mitigation with minors’ right to safe, constructive internet access.