ITU publishes framework for customising digital humans
The ITU standard defines features, functional modules and interface requirements for creating and modifying digital humans used in communication services.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) published a new standard on 10 July 2026 setting out a framework and requirements for digital human customisation.
Recommendation ITU-T F.748.54, Framework and requirements for digital human customization, was approved on 29 April 2026 by ITU-T Study Group 21. It applies to digital humans used for content creation and human-computer interaction.
The standard divides digital human features into external and internal categories. External features include appearance, body shape, facial expressions, posture and voice. Internal features cover identity, emotions, personality, habits, knowledge and experience.
It also defines four main technical modules. Extractors obtain features from images, videos, audio or other inputs. Modulators adjust or combine those features. Generators produce visual and audio outputs, while learner modules update internal features through interaction.
The Recommendation includes requirements for capturing, editing and previewing digital humans. It states that prior approval must be obtained when a digital human is created using an individual’s actual information.
Compliance with ITU-T Recommendations is voluntary, although systems claiming conformity must meet the mandatory requirements specified in the document.
