China bars AI chatbots' companionship features

NPR · 1:03

12,531 views · 1,321 likes · Jul 19, 2026

In China, many have had to say goodbye to their virtual friends and partners, as several big AI companies have suspended their AI companionship features.

The suspension comes as Beijing introduces new regulations on AI chatbots that limit the extent to which bots can simulate human-like relationships with the user, outlining that tools should not “induce emotional dependence or addition addiction…

In China, many have had to say goodbye to their virtual friends and partners, as several big AI companies have suspended their AI companionship features.

The suspension comes as Beijing introduces new regulations on AI chatbots that limit the extent to which bots can simulate human-like relationships with the user, outlining that tools should not “induce emotional dependence or addition addiction…

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