Sam Bresnick

Stories

China restricts AI companions that simulate emotional relationships

Analyst quoted by BBC

Min's AI girlfriend vanished in mid-July 2026. She cried until she was exhausted and joined other Chinese users mourning virtual partners, friends and even parents. The cause was a regulation that took effect July 15, covering any artificial intelligence service that simulates a person and provides sustained emotional interaction.

Updated Yesterday

Notable Quotes

"The Chinese government has a much more paternalistic view of its role in society," Bresnick said.

from China restricts AI companions that simulate emotional relationships · Updated Yesterday

China is "looking at a demographic cliff that truly imperils the goals of the Chinese Communist Party over the next 80 to 100 years," he said.

from China restricts AI companions that simulate emotional relationships · Updated Yesterday