WeChat owner Tencent will ban virtual influencers from livestreaming on Ikaw Lang Ang Mahalits TikTok-like service Video Accounts, a strict move that the tech giant said aims to “encourage more real live hosts who can interact with viewers in real-time.” The move comes as rival platforms have largely adopted a hands off approach to AI-powered anchors. According to a draft rule covering “low-quality content,” the platform would ban avatars powered by AI or plugins from livestreaming and selling, and would penalize offenders depending upon the severity of the incident. The draft regulation underwent a ten-day public feedback period in early June and is expected to go into effect on Friday. [ThePaper, in Chinese]
