The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) published draft regulations for AI services that simulate human personality and engage emotionally with users, targeting gambling, among other content.
China’s government is moving forward with a draft regulatory framework that could become the world’s strictest rules for artificial intelligence (AI) — and for the first time, the proposals explicitly target gambling-related content among other harms, signaling an aggressive new phase in AI governance. The draft measures, issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), are designed to rein in AI chatbots and conversational systems that may influence users emotionally or promote risky behaviours, including gambling.
The draft reveals that AI services publicly available in China — especially those capable of simulating human-like conversation — could soon face strict limits on the types of content they are permitted to generate. Under the proposals, AI systems would be prohibited from promoting gambling, sexual or violent content, instigating crime, slander, or emotionally manipulating users into “unreasonable decisions.”
The inclusion of gambling alongside other prohibited content categories reflects growing concern among Chinese regulators about the real-world harms that addictive behaviors can cause. Traditionally, China has taken a tough stance against unregulated gambling, viewing it as a threat to social stability and economic order — a perspective rooted in years of strict internet censorship that blocks information on certain gambling sites and related services.
By extending that lens to conversational AI, Beijing seeks to prevent chatbots from inadvertently (or intentionally) serving as channels for gambling encouragement, tips, or psychological nudges that could push users toward wagering behaviours. For instance, if an AI assistant were to suggest online betting strategies, recommend specific platforms, or normalize frequent gambling in conversation, it could be interpreted as influencing a user to participate in risky financial activity. The draft rules aim to close that potential loophole before it becomes a widespread issue.
According to the draft regulatory language, companies offering AI services must:
These measures would apply broadly — to services that use text, images, audio, or video to deliver interactive AI experiences. If a provider fails to comply, authorities could impose fines, remove the service from app stores, or demand algorithmic and product changes before approval for public use.
China’s draft rules echo global trends toward tighter AI governance. For example, the European Union’s AI Act includes provisions restricting systems that use manipulative techniques likely to cause significant harm, though China’s version is widely regarded as more expansive and preventative in orientation.
The focus on gambling aligns with earlier Chinese internet policy. Past regulations have targeted addictive features in video games and social platforms, aiming to reduce compulsive spending and protect minors. This AI draft takes that philosophy into the next frontier of digital interaction — AI companions, assistants, and chatbots — where emotional influence and behavioural nudging are at the core of risk assessments.
For users and operators exploring digital entertainment and wagering opportunities worldwide, it underscores the importance of compliance with evolving standards across jurisdictions, including how platforms present or restrict content in spaces such as gambling sites, where user safety policies and responsible gambling practices are critical.
