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AI Companions Shut Down Amid New Chinese Rules
6 Jul
Summary
- Major tech firms are disabling AI companion features.
- New Chinese regulations govern AI interactions with people.
- Specific AI chatbot Doubao will cease operations.

Chinese tech giants ByteDance and Alibaba Group are dismantling features enabling users to build and chat with AI companions. This strategic pivot is in anticipation of forthcoming regulations from China concerning human-AI interactions.
ByteDance's Doubao, recognized as China's leading AI chatbot, is slated for shutdown. The company is preparing to comply with the new regulatory landscape.
These changes reflect China's increasing attention to the development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies, particularly those involving direct human engagement. The new rules aim to establish a framework for responsible AI interaction.