China’s Beijing pilot program has started issuing official identification cards to artificial‑intelligence‑generated digital humans. The first recipient was the virtual idol known as Yuri, whose ID lists a name, birthday, address and facial features.

The card lets Yuri’s operators open a digital‑currency wallet and sign commercial deals in sectors such as fashion, gaming and automotive, effectively giving the AI a legal economic personality.

The scheme follows President Xi Jinping’s call to develop “new quality productive forces” and to strengthen the country’s self‑reliance on artificial intelligence, prompting multiple agencies to draft regulations for AI avatars.

Supporters argue the registration system will protect intellectual‑property rights and help curb online scams that exploit unregistered digital humans.

Critics warn the same system could expand state surveillance in the metaverse, making it easier for authorities to track virtual activities.

Analysts estimate the Chinese digital‑human market will be worth about 48 billion yuan (roughly $10 billion) by 2025, with more than one million firms already linked to the sector.

By giving AI avatars official status, the government aims to regulate a fast‑growing industry, secure economic benefits, and tighten control over a technology that increasingly shapes media, commerce and even political messaging.