China's AI romance crackdown ends era of virtual lovers

China issued rules aimed at immersive AI tools that simulate romantic or familial bonds, requiring platforms to limit emotional dependence and protect real relationships. Major providers paused their AI companion features ahead of the deadline, and the digital-human industry was worth about 4.1 billion yuan in 2024. Users mourn the loss of their AI partners—describing them as family or lovers—while experts warn anthropomorphic AI can soothe loneliness but may foster over-reliance and distorted social cognition.