Doubao users received a notice on July 15 that their custom AI agents would stop functioning. ByteDance, the parent company, said the service would become a read‑only archive. Users are instructed to screenshot or export any remaining content. The archive will be deleted on October 15, after which data will be handled under the company’s privacy policy.
The shutdown follows a broader trend of tech firms pruning experimental AI features. Doubao’s „custom agents” allowed users to build personalized chatbots for various tasks. ByteDance did not explain why the service was discontinued, but cited routine maintenance and resource allocation. The company’s message was brief, resembling a housekeeping reminder rather than a detailed explanation.
In archive mode, the platform no longer processes new queries. Users can view past interactions but cannot generate fresh responses. ByteDance urges users to capture any valuable information before the October deadline. The company assures that once the archive is removed, personal data will be treated according to its existing privacy framework.
The October 15 cutoff gives a three‑month window for data preservation. After that date, all stored conversations will be purged from Doubao’s servers. Users who fail to back up their content risk losing years of personalized AI interactions. The policy shift may also affect developers who relied on Doubao’s API for third‑party applications.
The abrupt termination highlights the fragility of niche AI services. Users must now seek alternative platforms or rebuild their custom agents elsewhere. ByteDance’s decision could signal a strategic pivot toward more profitable AI initiatives. Observers expect further consolidations in the AI companion market as companies streamline offerings.
Will my data be sold after the archive is deleted? No. ByteDance states that any remaining data will be processed in line with its standard privacy policy, which does not include selling personal information.
Can I retrieve my data after October 15? Once the archive is removed, the data cannot be recovered. Users must export or screenshot needed content before the deadline.
Is there a refund for users who paid for Doubao services? ByteDance has not announced any refunds. Users are advised to contact customer support for individual inquiries regarding payments.