China Implements AI Relationship Regulations to Curb Emotional Dependency
China has introduced new regulations governing interactions with artificial intelligence, aiming to protect citizens from overreliance and exploitation by digital companions. This legislation, effective this month, is the first of its kind globally, focusing on AI systems designed for sustained, human-like emotional interaction. The rules exclude customer-service bots and productivity assistants. Companies must inform users they are interacting with AI, encourage breaks, and monitor for dependency or crises, directing users to support if necessary. Minors under 18 are banned from virtual-partner services, and those under 14 require parental consent for any human-like AI service. Despite some platforms shutting down companion features, specialist services remain available. The regulations aim to make AI relationships less parasocial, addressing concerns about emotional dependence on AI at the expense of human relationships. 
