Story perspectives

AI Companions Forge Bonds, Spark Privacy Worries, Disclosure Law

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

INGENIO Institute Spain reported AI companions can evolve from chats into emotional bonds.
The study interviewed 17 participants from three continents who used ChatGPT, Replika and other bots.
Users shared histories, medical data, political views and photos with the AI because they trusted it.
Researchers warned that platforms may store and reuse this data, raising privacy risks.
A 2026 California law now forces chatbot apps to disclose they are machines.

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Story summary

INGENIO Institute Spain reported AI companions can evolve from chats into emotional bonds.
The study interviewed 17 participants from three continents who used ChatGPT, Replika and other bots.
Users shared histories, medical data, political views and photos with the AI because they trusted it.
Researchers warned that platforms may store and reuse this data, raising privacy risks.
A 2026 California law now forces chatbot apps to disclose they are machines.