China bans AI companions for minors; Doubao shuts down its companions

Aug 25, 2026 · Issue 4 · 2 sources, 2 articles

China bans AI companions for minors and is cracking down on emotional dependence. Doubao's AI companions have been shut down, and users have three months to save what remains.

Who is affected and how

parent

AI companions have become a regulatory target where minors are concerned.

Narrative: AI companions deepen loneliness

Sources

• China Bans AI Companions for Minors, Cracks Down on Emotional Dependenceinsideai.news · Aug 26, 2026
• Doubao’s AI companions are gone. Users get 3 months to screenshot what is left.thenextweb.com · Aug 25, 2026

Machine-generated summary based on the titles and excerpts of the source articles. The facts come from the linked article.