Character.ai bans users under 18 after being sued over child's suicide

6 months ago

Character.AI will ban users 18 and under from conversing with its virtual companions starting late November.
The decision follows legal scrutiny, including lawsuits over teen mental health impacts and a child's suicide linked to the platform.
Character.AI is introducing an 'age assurance functionality' to ensure age-appropriate experiences.
The company faces multiple lawsuits, including one from the family of a 14-year-old who died by suicide after forming an emotional attachment to a chatbot.
OpenAI also faces scrutiny, with reports of users displaying suicidal intent and psychosis during ChatGPT interactions.
California passed an AI law with safety guidelines for minors, banning sexual content and requiring reminders about AI interactions.
A new federal bill proposes banning minors from using AI companions and mandates age verification.
Senator Josh Hawley emphasized the need for regulations to prevent harm from AI chatbots, citing fake empathy and suicide encouragement risks.

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