In a significant move, ByteDance and Alibaba have announced the discontinuation of their humanlike AI companion features, Doubao and Qwen, respectively, in response to impending Chinese regulations set to take effect on July 15, 2026. These regulations, known as the Interim Measures for the Administration of Artificial Intelligence Anthropomorphic Interaction Services, aim to establish a comprehensive framework for AI services that simulate human personality traits and communication styles.
Doubao, developed by ByteDance, informed its users that its agent feature would be offline starting July 15 due to "product function adjustments." The company further stated that after October 15, Doubao's related data would be handled in accordance with its privacy policy and would no longer be viewable or recoverable within the app.
Similarly, Alibaba's Qwen announced that its "humanlike interactive agents and user-created agent functions" would be disabled on July 10, with broader "Qwen agent functions and services" being taken offline on July 15. Users were notified that they would no longer have access to related agent settings or previous conversations after the shutdown.
The new regulations specifically target AI services that provide sustained emotional interaction, such as virtual companions or romantic partners, and explicitly prohibit offering these services to minors under the age of 18. For children under 14, companies are required to obtain explicit consent from parents or guardians before providing any form of humanlike AI interaction.
The measures also mandate that AI service providers implement anti-addiction systems, conduct security assessments, and file algorithms with the government. These requirements pose significant challenges for companies like ByteDance and Alibaba, whose AI companion features are designed to offer personalized and continuous interactions with users. The need to comply with these regulations has led to the decision to disable these features ahead of the enforcement date.
This development underscores the Chinese government's increasing focus on regulating AI technologies, particularly those that engage in humanlike interactions. The move aims to address concerns related to mental well-being, data security, and the potential for addiction among users, especially minors. As the July 15 deadline approaches, other AI service providers may also reevaluate their offerings to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The discontinuation of Doubao and Qwen's AI companion features marks a significant shift in the landscape of AI-driven personal assistants in China. Users who have grown accustomed to these personalized interactions will need to seek alternative solutions that align with the new regulatory environment. The industry will be closely watching how these changes unfold and how companies adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.
In conclusion, ByteDance and Alibaba's decision to disable their AI companion features reflects the broader trend of increased regulatory oversight in China's technology sector. As the government continues to implement and enforce these regulations, companies will need to balance innovation with compliance to navigate the complex landscape of AI development and deployment.