China Cracks Down on Emotional AI Companions for Minors

China's Cyberspace Administration unveils rules targeting 'companion' chatbots to curb emotional dependence, banning minors from using them, requiring AI disclosure on platforms, and reminding users they're conversing with software; authorities argue the risk to real relationships warrants preemptive limits, though experts doubt the policy will curb loneliness or addiction and note past regulatory failures.