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China is taking a leadership role in the regulation of AI: https://english.news.cn/20260715/4bf39c … d94/c.html

BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday rolled out a set of regulations aimed at curbing emotional dependency on AI-powered companion bots, marking a new step in efforts to regulate this rapidly growing sector.

AI companion services, which have been used in areas ranging from customer service and mental health support to childcare and elderly care, have gained popularity by simulating human personalities and conversations. But concerns over emotional dependency and other risks have fueled calls for tighter regulation.

The new rules require platforms to detect emotional distress, intervene in crisis situations, limit excessive use, give users full control over their personal data, and prevent the misuse of user information.

In 2025, the China Youth and Children Research Center surveyed more than 8,500 minors across the country. The results showed that over 60 percent had used AI, while more than 20 percent said they "only wanted to chat with AI and did not want to talk with real people."

While children and older adults may not use AI the most, they are more prone to developing emotional attachments to it because AI is always available, endlessly patient and unfailingly compliant, said Wang Zhechen, an associate researcher at the Department of Psychology, School of Social Development and Public Policy at Fudan University in Shanghai.