Jakarta, INTI - The Chinese government has introduced a new set of regulations aimed at limiting emotional dependency on artificial intelligence (AI)-powered companion bots while strengthening oversight of the rapidly expanding sector.
The rules, announced on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, apply to AI companion services that are increasingly being adopted for various applications, including customer support, mental health assistance, childcare, and elderly care.
The regulatory measures were introduced amid growing concerns over potential emotional attachment, excessive reliance, and other risks associated with the use of AI companion technologies.
Platforms Required to Protect Users
Under the new regulations, AI service providers are required to monitor signs of emotional distress among users, provide interventions during critical situations, prevent excessive usage, give users greater control over their personal data, and protect information from misuse.
The regulation defines AI companion services as platforms that provide “continuous emotional interaction” through text, images, audio, or video-based communication.
Meanwhile, AI applications designed primarily for task-oriented functions, such as customer service platforms, workplace assistants, educational tools, and scientific research applications, are excluded from the AI companion service category.
China's AI Market Continues Rapid Expansion
The implementation of these regulations comes as China's AI industry continues to experience significant growth, with AI technologies becoming increasingly integrated across multiple sectors.
According to recent research, China's AI market value is expected to surpass 1.2 trillion yuan in 2025 and is projected to exceed 1.8 trillion yuan by 2028.
This rapid expansion is driven by broader AI adoption across industries as businesses and organizations increasingly seek digital solutions to improve efficiency, enhance services, and support innovation.
Conclusion
China's new regulations reflect the growing global focus on responsible AI governance as AI technologies become more deeply integrated into everyday life. By establishing safeguards around emotional dependency, data protection, and user well-being, the country aims to encourage AI innovation while ensuring safer and more ethical human-AI interactions.
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