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China has cracked down on AI relationships…
BEIJING — China has implemented sweeping global regulations designed to curb human-like artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and virtual companion services.
The new rules target AI apps providing “sustained emotional interaction,” such as virtual boyfriends, girlfriends, or family members. Under the regulations, minors under 18 are barred from accessing virtual partner services, while children under 14 require parental consent for any human-sounding AI. For adults, AI assistants are required to clearly state they are not human, display reminders every two hours to discourage overuse, and avoid creating “emotional reliance or addiction.”
The move addresses rising concerns over digital isolation, suicide risks, and the power of AI to replace real human relationships. Tech companies violating these guidelines face heavy fines and public censure. In response to the regulatory crackdown, major Chinese tech giants including Alibaba and ByteDance have already shut down or suspended emotional companion features across their AI platforms.
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