That is what happened to users of several Chinese AI platforms after new rules governing anthropomorphic AI services took effect on July 15, 2026. ByteDance's Doubao, Alibaba's Qwen and Tencent's Yuanbao all wound down or disabled features that allowed users to create and maintain personalized AI companion characters. China's rules say AI anthropomorphic services must not "excessively cater to users, induce emotional dependence or addiction, and damage users' real interpersonal relationships." You Don't Own the MemoryAn AI companion depends on several layers working together. With an AI companion, the continuity itself is part of the product.