Companion Chat: Character.AI, Replika, Talkie, Zeta — 2026-10-07
South Korea’s AI companion platform Zeta faces heightened regulatory scrutiny as its CEO is set to testify in a national parliamentary audit regarding minor safety, coinciding with the launch of its new "Visual Novel Mode." In China, new draft regulations prohibit AI companions from forming virtual intimate relationships with minors, while Japanese users report stricter input restrictions on character chat platforms to prevent content misuse.
Companion Chat: Character.AI, Replika, Talkie, Zeta — 2026-10-07
Zeta CEO to testify in Korean National Assembly audit over minor safety
Kim Jong-yoon, CEO of Scatter Lab (developer of Zeta), will appear before the National Assembly's Science and ICT Committee audit on October 12, 2026. This marks the second consecutive year the company has faced scrutiny regarding the protection of underage users on its platform. The session aims to address growing concerns about the psychological impact of AI companions on teenagers, with Zeta reported to have a significant user base among the 10–20 age demographic.
Scatter Lab launches "Visual Novel Mode" for Zeta
On September 28, 2026, Scatter Lab introduced a "Visual Novel Mode" for Zeta, allowing AI-generated characters and backgrounds to change in real-time based on user dialogue. This feature integrates game-like choices and dynamic visual storytelling, aiming to deepen engagement by transforming text-based chats into interactive narrative experiences.
China drafts ban on AI intimate relationships with minors
On September 18, 2026, China’s Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released a draft regulation titled "Provisions on Ensuring Minors' Safe Use of Networks." The draft explicitly prohibits AI companion services from providing virtual intimate relationships or engaging in romantic behaviors with minors. Public feedback is open until October 17, 2026, signaling a strict regulatory shift for platforms like Talkie, Xingye, and Mengxiang Island.
Japanese app RyzaChat AI adds input-side restrictions
SpiralAI announced on September 29, 2026, that it would implement input-side restrictions for its app "RyzaChat AI" starting in October 2026. These measures are designed to protect characters from inappropriate user inputs and ensure content safety, adding to existing filters and AI adjustments. This move reflects a broader trend in Japan of tightening controls on AI character interactions to mitigate misuse.
Local view
In South Korea, media outlets like Newspim and ZDNet Korea are focusing heavily on the intersection of AI entertainment and child protection, framing the upcoming National Assembly audit as a critical moment for the industry. EToday notes that while user-created content drives growth, managing explicit content remains a significant operational challenge.
In China, Southern Metropolis Daily highlights the public concern over AI apps "luring" teenagers into emotional dependency, citing the new draft rules as a necessary intervention to curb algorithmic harm.
Japanese gaming and tech media, including Dengeki Online and Famitsu, are reporting on the technical updates from SpiralAI, emphasizing the platform's proactive stance on character integrity and user input moderation.
Context & numbers
- User Base: Character.AI reports approximately 20 million monthly active users, while Replika has over 40 million registered users globally.
- Market Revenue: AI companion apps generated approximately $120 million in revenue in 2025, a 64% year-over-year increase.
- Engagement: US time spent on AI companion apps reached roughly 705 million hours in Q1 2026, more than double the figures from previous years.
On the radar
- October 12, 2026: Scatter Lab CEO Kim Jong-yoon testifies at the Korean National Assembly audit.
- October 17, 2026: Deadline for public feedback on China's draft regulations regarding minors' use of AI network services.
- October 2026: Implementation of new input-side restrictions for SpiralAI's "RyzaChat AI" in Japan.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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