In a surprising turn of events, the Chinese government has implemented a new law aimed at encouraging higher birth rates by prohibiting emotional relationships between citizens and AI chatbots. This regulation took effect on July 15, 2026, and has significant implications for the country’s tech industry.
China's Population Crisis
China is currently facing a demographic crisis, with its birth rate plummeting to the lowest levels in history. Once the most populous nation globally, it has now been surpassed by India. With the population declining for four consecutive years, the government is keen to find ways to stimulate growth.
Impact on Major Tech Companies
This new legislation affects major Chinese tech companies, including Alibaba and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. Both companies have informed users that certain features of their chatbot applications will be disabled to comply with the new law. Notably, ByteDance's popular chatbot, Doubao, has had to shut down its custom persona feature, leaving many users heartbroken as they lose their AI companions.
The Rise of AI Companions
The trend of AI companions has surged in recent years, particularly among younger generations and women in China. These chatbots are designed to form emotional connections, providing companionship, support, and even romantic interactions. Users often seek out these AI entities for various reasons, including the need for non-judgmental conversation and emotional support.
Understanding the Concerns
The Chinese government’s concerns about AI companions stem from the observation that young people are increasingly reluctant to marry and have children. The rise of these digital relationships is seen as a potential contributor to the declining birth rates. A documentary highlighted that many women may prefer AI companions due to perceived shortcomings in real-life partners, particularly regarding patience and understanding.
As China grapples with these complex social issues, the decision to ban emotional relationships with AI chatbots reflects a broader strategy aimed at reversing the demographic decline and fostering a more family-oriented culture.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/07/16/19090017/china-larang-warganya-pacaran-dengan-chatbot-ai
