China implements strict regulations on emotional AI companionship

China has implemented strict new regulations targeting artificial intelligence designed for “lasting emotional interaction” with humans. The rules, which took effect on July 15, aim to restrict AI models that simulate close personal relationships, such as virtual partners, friends, or family members.

Under the new laws, minors are strictly prohibited from engaging in virtual romantic or intimate relationships with AI. For those under 14, parental consent is required for any human-like AI interaction. For adults, chatbots must explicitly state they are not human and are prohibited from fostering emotional addiction, encouraging unreasonable decisions, or suggesting self-harm. Additionally, AI must remind users of their screen time every two hours.

Companies such as Alibaba and ByteDance responded to the regulations by disabling companion features in their assistants prior to the enforcement date. Violators of these rules face fines of up to 200,000 yuan or public condemnation by the state.