China bans AI companion services for minors to protect young people
China's internet regulator has approved rules requiring AI service providers to ban virtual intimate relationships for minors and set usage limits. An expert says legislation is appropriate but enforcement and penalties must be robust.
China's internet regulator has approved new rules requiring providers of anthropomorphic AI interaction services to ban virtual intimate relationships for minors and set usage limits, as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly popular for emotional support.
Some Chinese people use AI not only as a work assistant but also as a conversation partner. One member of the public said her friend's underage child occasionally chats with AI chatbots to relieve emotional problems and academic pressure. However, she and her husband believe parent-child communication is most important and do not want their middle-school son to become overly emotionally dependent on AI.
A university student in Guangzhou said AI emotional companion apps are common, with many friends using AI for chat and even simulated romance to seek emotional comfort.
The Cyberspace Administration of China earlier reviewed and approved the Interim Measures for the Management of Anthropomorphic AI Interaction Services. The rules require anthropomorphic interaction service providers not to offer virtual intimate relationship services to minors, and to set usage time limits.
Peng Peng, a senior researcher at the Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences and executive president of the Guangdong Institute for System Reform, said it is appropriate for authorities to protect minors from overusing anthropomorphic AI through legislation. However, he expressed concern about how to effectively monitor whether young people are abusing the services.
He added that when there is solid evidence that suppliers have violated rules by providing anthropomorphic interaction services to minors, severe penalties should be imposed to deter such behaviour.