China restricts AI companions amid its demographic crisis

China banned virtual partner or family services for minors from July 15 and required companies to limit systems that could induce emotional dependence, addiction or replace social interaction. The measure followed chatbots such as Doubao, Qwen and YunBao adding friend or partner modes, alongside the AI Plus plan, which also promoted artificial intelligence as a companion in education, work and health.

The government is trying to address a demographic crisis linked, among other factors, to the cost of raising children and housing and employment crises. According to The Guardian, 20% of Chinese households are one-person households, a share expected to reach 30% by 2030. The newspaper also reported users’ distress after the features were removed. Research cited by Xataka indicates that, although these relationships may ease loneliness in the short term, they can worsen it later by creating a false sense of connection.