Character.AI to ban users under 18 from talking to its chatbots

Character.AI’s chatbots have come under scrutiny.

Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Character.AI is banning users under 18 from interacting with its chatbot.
It follows concerns about AI’s impact on young people and a lawsuit over a 14-year-old’s suicide.
Character.AI cited feedback from regulators, safety experts, and parents for the decision.

Character.AI is banning users under 18 from engaging in conversations with its chatbots after facing scrutiny over how young people interact with its virtual companions.

The California-based startup announced on Wednesday that the change would take effect by November 25 at the latest and that it would limit chat time for users under 18 ahead of the ban.

It marks the first time a major chatbot provider has moved to ban young people from using its service, and comes against a backdrop of broader concerns about how AI is affecting the millions of people who use it each day.

Founded in 2021, Character.AI hosts virtual avatars that can take on the persona of real or fictional people.

Character.AI said in a blog post that it was making the change after receiving feedback from “regulators, safety experts, and parents.”

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

In February 2024, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III died by suicide after talking with one of Character.AI’s chatbots. His mother, Megan Garcia, filed a civil lawsuit against the company in October that year, blaming the chatbot for her son’s death, alleging negligence, wrongful death, and deceptive trade practices. Character.AI has previously declined to comment on the litigation.

Earlier this month, Character.AI took down a chatbot based on paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a story from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Content Accuracy: Keewee.News provides news, lifestyle, and cultural content for informational purposes only. Some content is generated or assisted by AI and may contain inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. Readers are responsible for verifying the information. Third-Party Content: We aggregate articles, images, and videos from external sources. All rights to third-party content remain with their respective owners. Keewee.News does not claim ownership or responsibility for third-party materials. Affiliate Advertising: Some content may include affiliate links or sponsored placements. We may earn commissions from purchases made through these links, but we do not guarantee product claims. Age Restrictions: Our content is intended for viewers 21 years and older where applicable. Viewer discretion is advised. Limitation of Liability: By using Keewee.News, you agree that we are not liable for any losses, damages, or claims arising from the content, including AI-generated or third-party material. DMCA & Copyright: If you believe your copyrighted work has been used without permission, contact us at dcma@keewee.news. No Mass Arbitration: Users agree that any disputes will not involve mass or class arbitration; all claims must be individual.