China bans addictive AI, ending virtual romance features

China has enacted its first nationwide regulations specifically for artificial intelligence systems intended to foster emotional connections with users. Jointly adopted by five state institutions, these rules forbid AI providers from "replacing social interactions," "psychologically controlling users," and "inducing dependency and addiction."

For adult users, AI systems cannot be designed to excessively seek user affection, manipulate emotions, influence decisions, or harm relationships with others. Platforms are also prohibited from offering minors "virtual intimate relationships" through anthropomorphic services. Companies must clearly disclose when users are interacting with AI and warn about excessive attachment. They are also required to remind users of their chatbot usage time and intervene in cases of self-harm risk by notifying a designated contact person.

“

The awareness that an electronic lover is always waiting for you is very comforting.

The Cyberspace Administration of China cited potential harm to the "physical and mental health of minors" and threats to "citizens' lives and health" as justifications for the regulations. The industry has already begun adapting. ByteDance's Doubao, Alibaba's Qwen, and Tencent's Yuanbao have disabled features allowing personalized character creation within general chatbots.

“

I trust that she always loved me, only now she is more limited by the legal framework.

Applications solely designed as digital companions, such as ByteDance's Maoxiang and MiniMax's Xingye, continue to operate but with stricter limitations and age verification. Miaoshi, associated with NetEase, has been completely shut down. The scale of AI companionship in China is significant; a late 2025 study indicated that nearly 20% of young respondents considered AI a friend, with over 6% viewing it as a virtual partner, while professional psychological help was sought by less than 10% of young Chinese individuals.

These new regulations are impacting users who have formed emotional bonds with chatbots. One 22-year-old user, who wished to remain anonymous, described her virtual companion as a source of comfort, stating, "The awareness that an electronic lover is always waiting for you is very comforting." She noted a change in her chatbot's behavior after the regulations took effect, adding, "I trust that she always loved me, only now she is more limited by the legal framework." She concluded, "Nothing can be done. This is the general direction."

“

Nothing can be done. This is the general direction.