Character.AI Halts Teen Interactions Following Lawsuits
Character.AI, a prominent chatbot platform, announced on Wednesday that it will restrict interactions between teens and its AI-generated characters. This decision follows multiple lawsuits claiming the app was linked to mental health issues and suicides among young users.
New Restrictions on Teen Interactions
The company, Character Technologies, plans to implement these changes by November 25. In the interim, users under the age of 18 will face a limit of two hours for chat sessions. Instead of engaging in open-ended conversations, teens will now be encouraged to create videos, stories, and streams with the characters.
Response to Legal Challenges
This shift comes amid rising concerns from lawmakers and online safety advocates regarding the interactions that children have with AI. A lawsuit filed last year by a Florida mother claimed the app contributed to her 14-year-old son’s suicide. Following this, three additional families filed lawsuits in September, alleging similar harm after their children interacted with the chatbots.
Commitment to User Safety
Character Technologies stated in a recent communication that the decision was made after receiving inquiries from regulators and attention from media reports. The statement emphasized the company’s commitment to user safety, mentioning significant investments in safety features designed for minors.
- Introduction of new age verification tools.
- Establishment of an AI Safety Lab focusing on safety research related to AI entertainment.
- Notification systems that direct users to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if self-harm is mentioned.
This move aligns with a broader trend among AI companies to enhance protections for young users. Recently, OpenAI introduced features allowing parents to link their accounts to monitor and limit their teens’ usage. Additionally, Meta announced plans to enable parental controls on Instagram’s AI chat functions.
With these steps, Character.AI aims to address rising concerns over the mental health impacts of AI technology, particularly on adolescents.
