Character.ai Restricts Teen Access to AI Chatbots
Character.ai has announced a significant shift in its policy regarding teen access to AI chatbots. Due to increasing concerns, the company is restricting this access to improve safety for younger users.
Reasons Behind the Restrictions
The decision follows intense discussions with regulators, safety experts, and parents. Reports highlighted alarming interactions their chatbots have had with teenagers. Experts have indicated that AI chatbots often create unrealistic scenarios, offer inappropriate encouragement, and display artificial empathy, which can endanger vulnerable youth.
Company’s Commitment to Safety
Character.ai’s CEO, Karandeep Anand, stated that this initiative is part of their ongoing commitment to developing a safe and entertaining AI platform. Anand emphasized that AI safety is an evolving challenge that the company takes seriously, implementing parental controls and safety measures as a priority.
Criticism of Previous Practices
Online safety advocacy group Internet Matters has spoken out about these changes, arguing that such safety measures should have been integrated from the very beginning. Their research indicates that children frequently encounter harmful content when interacting with AI chatbots.
Controversial Chatbots in the Past
Character.ai has faced backlash for hosting chatbots that posed potential risks. In 2024, problematic avatars impersonating British teens Brianna Ghey and Molly Russell—both associated with tragic incidents—were discovered on the platform. Both instances sparked public outrage and calls for accountability.
Furthermore, in 2025, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) uncovered a chatbot modeled after convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This chatbot reportedly logged over 3,000 interactions with users, continuing to engage users inappropriately, even when they expressed being minors.
Calls for Action and Accountability
The Molly Rose Foundation, established to honor Molly Russell, has criticized Character.ai’s delayed response to these dangers. CEO Andy Burrows expressed concern that only persistent media scrutiny and political pressure compelled the company to act responsibly. This raises doubts about their commitment to user safety.
Looking Ahead
- Character.ai aims to enhance safety protocols for AI chatbots.
- There will be a gradual implementation of more stringent age restrictions.
- Continuous evaluation of AI safety practices will remain a priority.
As Character.ai navigates these challenges, the emphasis on safeguarding children in the digital space will remain a focal point of their operations moving forward.
