Overview
Scenario-based regulation of anthropomorphic / emotional AI interaction in China, culminating in Interim Measures effective July 15, 2026 — the first dedicated national rule on ai-companions.
Timeline
- 2025-12: Draft circulated
- 2026-04-10: Final Interim Measures issued by cac + NDRC/MIIT/MPS/samr
- 2026-06–07: Platforms (bytedance, alibaba qwen, tencent) remove/restrict companion features
- 2026-07-15: Measures effective; July 19 impact coverage (china-ai-companions-crackdown)
Key Requirements
- Ban virtual intimate relationships for minors
- Guardian consent for other anthropomorphic services under 14
- Minor modes, anti-addiction limits, distress intervention
- Algorithm filing + security assessments at scale thresholds