In China, virtual characters created by neural networks have begun receiving official documentation. Authorities are testing a system designed to anchor digital personas within the legal framework and streamline their use in business.
Virtual Stars With Official Status
As the new certificates include the character’s name, date of birth, place of registration, and a description of their appearance. The project organizers intend for this identification to help distinguish between registered digital personalities and regulate the activities of their creators
One of the first to receive the document was the AI singer Yuri, who has approximately 100,000 followers on the social network RedNote. For the team managing the virtual star, this is more than just a formality: official status opens opportunities for commercial transactions, including working with digital currency wallets and signing contracts with brands in fashion, video games, and other sectors.
The Growing Digital Character Industry
The decision by Chinese authorities is linked to the scale of the market. As of 2025, there were at least 1.3 million business entities in the country associated with digital humans. The value of this sector is estimated to have reached 48 billion yuan — approximately $6.58 billion.
Virtual hosts, performers, and bloggers have become tools for promoting products and interacting with consumers. As these projects evolve into commercial assets, their creators require clear mechanisms for registration and deal-making.
Registration as a Tool for State Oversight
At the same time, China is tightening regulations on virtual content. A month prior, authorities issued updated guidelines for online video services and broadcasters, mandating the registration of digital characters.
Official explanations emphasize copyright protection and restoring order in the industry. However, the initiative has another side: mandatory identification provides the state with additional capabilities to monitor the activities of virtual characters and those who operate them.
Moreover, digital personas are no longer used solely by commercial companies. Chinese government entities are also employing them to disseminate political directives and provide ideological training for Communist Party members.
Whose Faces Are Neural Networks Using?
Technological progress has changed the role of virtual characters. While digital avatars previously consisted of images reading pre-recorded text, modern AI influencers can interact with followers in real time.
This has exacerbated issues regarding the use of real people’s likenesses and voices. The Chinese Digital Human Influence Index Report notes that the appearances of some virtual bloggers were created based on the features and voices of real individuals without proper legal authorization. In such cases, questions remain regarding consent and the rights to use one’s individual traits.
China has previously attempted to assign digital identifiers to virtual people. In 2024, Shanghai implemented a blockchain system that allows such characters to be assigned permanent, unique serial numbers.
The current pilot project continues the push toward formalizing a market that blends technology, advertising, and digital entertainment. Yet, an ID card alone does not solve all issues: as the industry expands, authorities will have to define creator rights over virtual images, liability for their actions, and the boundaries of state control.
Articles & tests03.11.25
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