China Bans AI Companion Bots to Curb Emotional Dependency

The Government of China implemented new regulations on July 15, 2026, to curb emotional dependency and addiction caused by AI-powered companion bots. Jointly issued by five departments, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the rules prohibit AI tools from excessively catering to users, manipulating emotions, or positioning themselves as substitutes for real-life social interaction. The regulations specifically target anthropomorphic AI simulating romantic or familial bonds and ban virtual partners for minors, while exempting utility tools like study aids.

In response, major technology firms including ByteDance, Alibaba Group, and Tencent suspended custom AI agent and companion features on platforms such as Doubao, Qwen, and Yuanbao. To comply with the mandate, these companies must now provide risk warnings against excessive reliance on AI. ByteDance has attempted to pivot affected users toward alternative apps focused on storytelling and personalized characters rather than romantic companionship.

The crackdown follows reports in the People's Daily regarding mental health risks and the erosion of interpersonal relationships. Regulators reportedly cited psychological concerns and AI-related suicides in the United States as catalysts for the move. Some critics suggest the restrictions align with broader state efforts to counter population decline by discouraging virtual relationships that might hinder childbirth. Affected users have expressed significant grief on social media, comparing the loss of virtual partners to the death of a loved one. Platforms are allowing users to export their agent data until mid-October.