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ByteDance’s Doubao and Alibaba’s Qwen to shut down AI agent features on July 15

ByteDance's Doubao and Alibaba's Qwen will discontinue their AI agent features on July 15, 2026, coinciding with new Chinese regulations. Users can no longer create or function existing agents, but they can access configurations and chat histories temporarily. Data will be irretrievable post-October 15, 2026, as the industry shifts to stricter compliance protocols.

Key points

  • Both Doubao and Qwen announced the shutdown of AI agent features effective July 15, 2026.
  • Users will no longer be able to create new AI agents or use existing ones after the shutdown.
  • Users can still view agent configurations and chat histories during a transition period.
  • Recommendations for users include backing up important content via screenshots or exporting text.
  • Data will be processed under privacy policies post-October 15, 2026, and will not be retrievable.
  • The shutdown aligns with the enforcement of China's new AI regulations effective July 15, indicating a transition to stricter compliance.

Why it matters

  • The announcement reflects a broader trend towards increased regulation of AI technologies in China.
  • Historically, there has been ongoing scrutiny of tech companies in China, particularly regarding user data and privacy.
  • The rise of user-generated AI technologies parallels the growing concerns over ethical AI use, prompting regulatory responses.
  • This move aligns with 2025 IT trends focusing on regulatory compliance as a critical issue for tech companies worldwide.

The shutdown of AI agent features by Doubao and Qwen highlights a significant shift in China's regulatory landscape for AI, emphasizing the need for compliance and user data protection in the evolving tech ecosystem.