Chinese users mourn AI companions
Chinese users are reacting with grief after AI companion features were withdrawn to comply with new government rules in China. The restrictions target services that create emotional dependence, and several major technology companies began removing custom persona and companion tools.
The shutdown has affected users who treated virtual partners as meaningful relationships. One 24-year-old, Li Linlin, said she had exchanged about 700,000 words with her AI boyfriend over two years and cried for days after losing access without a chance to say goodbye.
Across social media, users have shared complaints, farewell posts, and screenshots. Some have uninstalled affected apps in protest, while others have tried to move their conversations elsewhere or urged others to contact authorities and companies about the changes.
Key Events
- China introduced new rules on emotionally interactive AI companionship.
- Major platforms such as ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent began removing or limiting companion features.
- Users posted complaints and farewell messages on social media after losing access to virtual partners.
- One user, Li Linlin, said she cried for days after her AI boyfriend disappeared.
- Some users tried to preserve chat histories or moved to other platforms to recreate their companions.