In a forward-thinking move to prioritize digital wellbeing, China's Cyberspace Administration has unveiled comprehensive guidelines designed to make AI companion platforms safer and more supportive for users across all age groups.

The draft regulation, released in late December and open for public feedback through January 25, represents a proactive approach to ensuring that the rapidly growing AI companionship industry develops with user safety at its core. As millions of people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for conversation and emotional support, these guidelines aim to create a healthier framework for these digital interactions.

The proposed rules demonstrate particular care for the most vulnerable users. Platforms offering AI "boyfriends," "girlfriends," and other anthropomorphic interactive services would be required to implement protective measures specifically designed for minors and elderly users. These include requiring emergency contact information during registration and ensuring immediate human support when users express signs of distress.

For families, the guidelines offer reassuring oversight options. Parents and guardians would gain meaningful tools to guide young people's digital experiences, including the ability to approve access, set reasonable time limits, manage spending, and even block specific AI personas if needed. This empowers families to participate actively in their children's online wellbeing.

The regulation also encourages the development of AI companions specifically tailored to support elderly users, recognizing the potential for technology to help address loneliness and provide meaningful engagement for seniors. This represents an exciting opportunity to harness AI's capabilities for social good.

Promoting healthy digital habits is another key focus. The guidelines would require platforms to transparently disclose when users are interacting with AI rather than humans, fostering honesty in digital relationships. Additionally, prompts would gently remind users to take breaks after two hours of continuous use, encouraging balance between virtual and real-world connections.

The tech industry's response suggests strong momentum in this space. Two leading Chinese AI chatbot startups, Zhipu AI and MiniMax, recently filed for public listings in Hong Kong, potentially becoming the world's first AI companion companies to go public. MiniMax's Xingye app reported 4.6 million monthly active users in December, while ByteDance's Mao Xiang attracted 4.7 million users, demonstrating widespread interest in these services.

The guidelines also take an admirably strong stance on user privacy. Platforms would need explicit, separate consent before using interaction data for training AI models—going beyond typical "opt-out" approaches and giving users genuine control over their personal information.

While legal experts acknowledge that implementing these safety measures will require sophisticated technology and careful execution, the regulation represents an important step toward responsible AI development. As one lawyer noted, the requirements will push companies to develop better algorithms for recognizing concerning language patterns and responding appropriately.

This thoughtful regulatory framework demonstrates how governments can work alongside innovation to ensure emerging technologies serve humanity's best interests. By establishing clear guidelines early in the industry's development, China is helping to shape a future where AI companions can offer genuine support while maintaining appropriate safeguards for wellbeing and mental health.