ByteDance and Alibaba AI Agent Tools to Cease Operation July 15

ByteDance's AI model Doubao and Alibaba's AI model Qwen will cease their AI agent creation features on July 15, 2026. This shutdown will prevent the creation of new AI agents and will render all existing user-created agents non-functional.

The companies have advised users to back up any essential data, including chat histories and configurations, before the cessation date. After October 15, 2026, all related data will be permanently deleted in accordance with the platforms' privacy policies.

This move closely follows the implementation of China's Interim Measures for the Administration of Anthropomorphic AI Interaction Services, which also take effect on July 15. The simultaneous discontinuation of these AI agent features indicates a strategic alignment with the new regulatory framework governing user-generated AI in China.

The shutdown signifies a new phase for China's consumer-facing AI ecosystem, emphasizing stricter compliance with governmental regulations for AI services.