Archive · 21 Sep 2026
China Proposes Ban on Intimate AI Companions for Minors
China has proposed new rules for how children use the internet and AI services.
The rules would stop AI companies from offering virtual partners, relatives or close companions to people under 18.
They would also ban features designed to make children emotionally dependent or spend too much money.
AI services would need better ways to identify users who are minors.
Social networks, games and AI platforms would have to offer special settings for younger users.
Children under 16 would not be allowed to host livestreams.
Some teenagers aged 16 or older who support themselves through their own work could be exempt from one social-networking restriction.
Companies that break the rules could face large fines or be stopped from providing their services.
Chinese regulators proposed rules banning virtual intimate relationship services for users under 18.
The draft would prohibit virtual relatives or companions and AI features that encourage emotional dependence, addiction or excessive spending.
AI platforms would have to improve minor identification, conduct safety assessments and provide dedicated minor modes.
The proposal would restrict stranger-focused social networking and bar children under 16 from hosting livestreams.
Violations could bring fines of up to RMB 200,000, while public comments are being accepted through October 17.
- Who
- Chinese regulators and online service providers, affecting users under 18.
- What
- A draft proposal would regulate minors’ use of AI companions and other online services, including banning virtual intimate relationship services.
- When
- The proposal is seeking public comments through October 17; the year is not specified.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- To protect minors’ physical and mental health and reduce emotional dependence, addiction and excessive spending.
- Affected users
- People under 18 for the proposed ban on virtual intimate relationship services.
- Banned services
- Virtual relatives, virtual companions and virtual intimate relationship services for minors.
- Required safeguards
- Minor identification, safety assessments, anti-addiction measures and dedicated minor modes.
- Social-networking restriction
- Stranger-focused online social networking would be prohibited for minors, with an exception for some self-supporting users aged 16 and above.
- Livestreaming restriction
- Children under 16 would be prohibited from hosting livestreams.
- Maximum fine
- Up to RMB 200,000, or approximately US$30,000, when a violation endangers citizens’ life and health.
- Internet users affected by context
- People aged 6 to 19 accounted for 112.5 million, or 18%, of Chinese internet users, according to the China Internet Network Information Centre.