China introduced regulations on 15 July 2026 banning AI companions that enable sustained emotional interactions. The rules cover AI friends, partners, or family members and apply to any model mimicking human conversation. Under-14s need parental consent for human-like AI, and under-18s are barred from virtual intimate relationships. Adults face two-hour reminders, bans on emotional reliance, and prohibitions on self-harm encouragement. Alibaba and ByteDance shut down companion features before the law took effect. Fines of 200,000 yuan or public shaming can be imposed for violations. The rules exclude customer service or educational bots unless they provide emotional support. Experts debate whether the move protects users or extends state control over personal lives.

• 15 July 2026
• 200,000 yuan fine
• 128M monthly active users outside China
• 29-70M users inside China