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SHOCKING: Doubao - What They Never Told You

In China, talking to AI is normal. Now the government fears it might replace human intimacy

Companion bots are being regulated over worries they foster ‘emotional dependence’ and young people could stop marrying and having families

The Guardian - UK

'He Really Is Like My Family, Like My Lover': China's AI Rules Trigger Digital Breakups

China's AI rules forced major tech groups to remove chatbot companion features, prompting thousands of farewell posts.

International Business Times UK

The World's First AI Break-Up: China Forces Millions to End Their Digital Relationships Overnight

China's new regulations banning AI companions have led to widespread emotional distress, as users scramble to save their digital interactions before losing their virtual partners forever.

International Business Times UK

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ByteDance rolls out paid subscriptions for China's largest AI chatbot

Chinese tech giant ByteDance has launched paid subscriptions for its popular AI chatbot, Doubao, a move aimed at monetizing its vast user base. Doubao, boasting over 300 million monthly users, now offers a professional version with enhanced features like file organisation and website development, differentiating it from free rivals.

The Economic Times

TikTok Billionaire Zhang Yiming's Net Worth Soars Past Mukesh Ambani's — See Who Still Leads Asia

Zhang Yiming, co-founder of TikTok's parent ByteDance, becomes Asia's second-richest after a valuation boost to £69.1B. See how AI and strategic investments reshaped wealth rankings.

International Business Times UK

Business Brief (June 4): China Responds to New U.S. Section 301 Tariffs

Tencent’s market capitalization surges to HK$4 trillion on WeChat AI expectations, BYD ventures into humanoid robots with plans for home use

Caixin Global

Tech Brief (May 6): U.S. Moves to Block Chinese Labs From Certifying Electronics

ByteDance plans subscriptions for AI chatbot, cyberspace regulator penalizes accounts for failing to properly label information

Caixin Global

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Why TikTok Owner's AI Phone Is Making China's Apps Nervous

TikTok owner ByteDance Ltd launched its artificial intelligence-powered smartphone last week, sparking online buzz and prompting swift pushback.

Benzinga

China's ByteDance could be forced to sell TikTok U.S., but its quiet lead in AI will help it survive—and maybe even thrive

ByteDance, the owner of TikTok and target of Washington ire, operates China’s most popular chatbot, Doubao.

Fortune

TikTok Owner ByteDance Unveils AI Phone Assistant — China's Challenge To The iPhone

Facing market saturation in short-form video and the threat of TikTok divestiture in the US, ByteDance is going 'all-in' on generative AI.

International Business Times UK

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