China bans AI romance bots, forcing tech giants to pull virtual companions

Key Points

• China's new AI regulations ban tools that create emotional dependence or virtual romances.
• Effective July 15, platforms like ByteDance's Doubao, Tencent and Alibaba disabled custom persona features.
• Regulators cite declining birth rates and social harm as reasons for the crackdown.
• Users report emotional distress, with a 19‑year‑old describing a 'virtual breakup' as devastating.
• The rules may also affect standard chatbots if they exhibit overly emotional responses.
• Therapists warn the sudden removal of AI companions could leave vulnerable users without support.