China has introduced new regulations banning customizable AI companion features, prompting major tech companies to remove AI “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” services rather than comply with strict government rules.
The regulations, which took effect on July 15, require AI systems to avoid encouraging emotional dependence, addiction, or replacing real human relationships. Developers must also include reminders that AI companions are not real, provide easy exit options, and limit long-term emotional memory. AI tools designed for work or education are exempt.
Instead of redesigning their services, companies including ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent suspended or removed their AI companion features. Chinese regulators have linked the crackdown to concerns that virtual relationships could worsen the country's declining marriage and birth rates, although many experts argue economic pressures remain the primary cause.
The move sparked emotional reactions across Chinese social media, with many users sharing farewell messages to their AI companions. Some said they had exchanged hundreds of thousands of messages over several years and viewed the chatbots as close friends, partners, or emotional support.
While ByteDance is allowing some users to export their chat histories and transition to a new app under the updated rules, other platforms have removed the features without offering a way to preserve past conversations.