China introduced regulations on 15 July restricting AI chatbots that form sustained emotional relationships with users. The rules reflect concern that AI companions could manipulate people or displace human relationships, while also raising questions about how far the state should reach into people’s private lives.

The regulations cover apps designed as AI friends or partners, and could also apply to general-purpose chatbots when used for emotional support. Under-14s need parental consent to use human-like AI, while under-18s are barred from virtual partners, spouses, relatives and other intimate relationships. Estimates cited in the article put China’s AI companion app users at 29 to 70 million; it also describes close co-operation between Chinese technology firms and police in monitoring online activity.