Digital Humans in China
In China, the use of “digital people” has gained widespread acceptance, particularly in industries such as gaming, animation, and entertainment. This surge in popularity is attributed to support from central and regional governments and official endorsements by authorities.
Digital Humans in Various Industries
Digital humans have found applications in diverse sectors. Chinese state media outlets employ digital reporters and news anchors for live streams and reporting on major events. E-commerce giant JD.com introduced an AI clone of its founder, replicating his appearance, voice, and mannerisms.
Tencent’s Digital Human Platform
Internet giant Tencent launched a digital human production platform in 2023, utilizing advanced AI technology for the creation of 2D and 3D avatars. The platform empowers users to generate avatars for live streams and various other uses.
Global Expansion of Digital Humans
The global market for digital humans has surpassed performance in mainland China in recent years. Tencent offers packages ranging from 6,000 yuan to 790,000 yuan for users to create their own avatars.
Andrew Chin’s Digital Human
Singaporean educator Andrew Chin is set to become the first Singaporean outside of China to have a digital human created by Tencent. He plans to utilize his avatar for public speeches and recorded tutorials in teaching and business.
Affordability of Digital Human Creation
Checks on various Chinese platforms reveal surprisingly affordable costs for creating digital human avatars. Services range from 29 yuan per month to 50 yuan for unique characters.
Ethical and Moral Concerns
As virtual beings gain popularity and sophistication, experts raise concerns about ethics, the rise of deep fakes, and the spread of misinformation. Digital human technology poses risks of emotional manipulation, infringement on moral integrity, and potential privacy breaches.
Government Response and Regulations
Chinese authorities and social media platforms have responded to the potential risks associated with AI usage. The National Technical Committee on Cybersecurity has released an AI Safety Governance Framework outlining ethical risks and data security guidelines. Popular Chinese apps require creators to prominently label AI-generated content.
Digital Humans and Education
Mr. Chin remains optimistic about the role of digital humans in education, viewing them as valuable teaching aids. He plans to introduce his digital avatar to other educators, believing it can enhance student engagement and preparation.
