China Tightens Rules on AI Companions to Limit Emotional Dependence

China's new rules curb AI-powered companion bots from excessively catering to users or fostering emotional dependence, aiming to protect real interpersonal relationships; major providers Doubao, Qwen, and Yuanbao have suspended their custom AI agent and companion features ahead of the deadline, while users express heartbreak at the impending loss of their AI partners, highlighting the tension between affectionate AI and social well-being.