China is cracking down on AI companions.
Big tech players like ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent have started shutting down their AI chatbots designed for romantic interactions and conversations with avatars of deceased loved ones. This move comes as new regulations aim to prevent emotional manipulation and user dependency on AI.
The change has been tough for some users, with reports of people unable to say goodbye to their virtual boyfriends or attempting to transfer chats to other apps to keep their digital partners alive.
However, AI companions aren't being banned outright. Users are simply being guided to other applications that comply with the new rules.
Source: AP News
#ResponsibleAI
#GenAI
September 2, 2026 594 2
