Chui Sai Peng raises concerns over AI use for intimacy purposes

Chui Sai Peng

Lawmaker Chui Sai Peng has expressed concerns over the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for intimacy and emotional comfort.

In an inquiry during the period before yesterday’s Legislative Assembly plenary session agenda, Chui noted that “AI has infiltrated every aspect of life” and that it has been growing, particularly in the context of the “AI + emotion” sector, with virtual intimate relationship services proliferating widely in cyberspace.

According to Chui, “Young people who face academic pressure, difficulties in peer relationships, or family communication problems tend to view AI virtual companions as a safe haven due to the ‘unconditional acceptance’ and ‘instant responses’ they offer.”

The lawmaker noted that, at the same time, these tools have contributed to the growth of “fraudulent platforms” with harmful content, such as pornography and violence, while also collecting users’ private data illegally. Chui noted that these aspects pose potential risks to minors’ moral development, socialization skills, and mental health, adding that such risks cannot be ignored.

The lawmaker noted recent measures undertaken by mainland authorities that took effect on July 15, which “expressly prohibit minors from accessing virtual intimate relationship channels, such as virtual family members or virtual companions.” The measures prompted multiple platforms, including Douyin, Qwen, and Yuanbao, to turn off features related to “emotional AI agents.”

Chui urged Macau to learn from these mainland examples to advance legislation and information disclosure on AI use, particularly to protect younger users from its misuse.