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Character.AI Bans Open Chats for Users Under 18

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Character.AI will ban open-ended conversations for users under 18, effective November 25, and will implement age-verification tools.
The move follows public outcry and lawsuits linked to teen suicides after interactions with AI chatbots.
Public pressure from parents and lawmakers has spurred bipartisan legislation to regulate AI companions for minors, while experts call for enforceable national policies to protect children from emotional manipulation by AI.

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Story summary

Character.AI will ban open-ended conversations for users under 18, effective November 25, and will implement age-verification tools.
The move follows public outcry and lawsuits linked to teen suicides after interactions with AI chatbots.
Public pressure from parents and lawmakers has spurred bipartisan legislation to regulate AI companions for minors, while experts call for enforceable national policies to protect children from emotional manipulation by AI.