China regulates AI companions to prevent emotional addiction

Chinese authorities are implementing new regulations to curb the use of AI companions, expressing concern that these technologies may exacerbate social issues such as loneliness and emotional addiction. New rules introduced on July 15 prohibit AI companions for minors and impose restrictions on chatbots marketed to adults.

In response to these regulations, major providers including ByteDance have removed certain features. For instance, ByteDance shut down the companion function on its Doubao chatbot to ensure compliance. The move has sparked significant social media backlash, highlighted by users who had developed deep emotional connections with their AI agents.

While China utilizes AI extensively to address demographic challenges and labor shortages, the government remains wary of chatbots that might replace human social interaction or foster unhealthy emotional dependence.