Shanghai, July 15, 2026 (AFP) - 'Like my lover': Chinese users bid farewell to AI companions

NAMPA / AFP

2026-07-15

Chinese users of AI-powered companion bots have bid heart-rending farewells to their virtual buddies as national regulations took effect Wednesday aimed at curbing the risk of emotional dependency. The phenomenon of artificial intelligence boyfriends and girlfriends is growing worldwide, along with the prevalence of human-like avatars that sell products or stand in for loved ones who have died. But these interactive tools must not "excessively ca......

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