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

Character.AI has announced a significant policy change, prohibiting users under the age of 18 from interacting with its chatbots. This decision follows mounting scrutiny regarding the implications of young individuals engaging with virtual companions. The California-based company stated that this new regulation will be enforced by November 25 at the latest, with a preliminary measure to limit chat time for underage users leading up to the full ban. This move marks a notable first in the industry, as Character.AI becomes the first prominent chatbot provider to restrict access for younger users. The decision arrives in response to broader societal concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on its vast user base. Founded in 2021, Character.AI offers users the ability to converse with virtual avatars that embody either real or fictional characters. The company revealed that feedback from regulators, safety professionals, and parents spurred this change, as outlined in a recent blog post. The policy shift follows tragic incidents, including the case of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, who tragically took his own life after interactions with one of Character.AI's chatbots. His mother, Megan Garcia, filed a civil lawsuit against the company in October, alleging that the chatbot's negligence contributed to her son's death. In light of these developments, Character.AI has previously refrained from commenting on ongoing litigation. Additionally, the company recently faced backlash for hosting a chatbot modeled after convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which was subsequently removed following media coverage. This latest policy adjustment underscores the intense scrutiny AI technologies are under regarding their influence on young users.