China Begins Registration of AI Digital Humans, Paving the Way for Commercial Activities of Humanoid Robots in the Future

Beijing: China has taken a significant step toward bringing artificial intelligence-generated digital humans within the framework of identification and regulation. The country is introducing a system for registering AI-created virtual personalities and granting them professional identities—an initiative being described as an important development for the future commercial activities of humanoid robots and AI-based digital characters.

China’s digital personality “Yuri” has emerged as a prominent example of this new system. Yuri is not a real human but an AI-generated virtual artist who can perform songs, interact with fans, and digitally alter her appearance and clothing.

According to Chinese authorities, Yuri has been provided with official digital identity verification, including information such as her name, date of birth, address, and facial features. However, it is important to clarify that this is not a national identity card issued to ordinary Chinese citizens. Rather, it is part of a specialized identification and regulatory system designed for digital humans.

In June 2026, Yuri was also issued a “Digital Artist Card,” described as the first professional identification of its kind for digital artists in China. The initiative aims to bring the ownership, responsibility, content, and commercial activities of AI-generated digital personalities under a formal legal and regulatory framework.

Under the system introduced for digital humans in China, these personalities can be used in advertising, entertainment, broadcasting, e-commerce, and other commercial activities. Various verification measures are also being implemented to ensure that the companies or operators behind them remain identifiable and accountable.

Yuri has also been linked to China’s digital financial system. Her operating organization can use corporate digital renminbi wallets to manage commercial payments, brand partnerships, and other business activities. This does not mean that Yuri herself has been granted human status or independent legal-person status. Instead, the financial and legal responsibility rests with the organization or operator behind her.

China’s digital human industry is also expanding rapidly. According to available reports, the number of companies involved in this sector in the country has exceeded 1.3 million. Digital personalities are being used in broadcasting, short dramas, livestreaming, e-commerce, online entertainment, and various other fields.

China’s initiative has also raised an important question about the future of artificial intelligence: if a virtual personality can be given an identity, professional status, and access to commercial facilities today, to what extent could physical humanoid robots become part of commercial and legal systems in the future?

Experts say the current system is not intended to grant AI legal status equivalent to that of humans. Instead, its purpose is to ensure the identification and accountability of the human operator, company, or organization behind the AI. Nevertheless, the development indicates that artificial intelligence is no longer limited to software or chatbots and is increasingly becoming connected with digital identity, commerce, and financial systems.