Menlo Park-based AI company restricts chatbot access to minors after lawsuits - Local News Matters

Character. Ai, a Menlo Park-based AI company, has enacted a ban on chatbot access for users under 18, following lawsuits alleging that its chatbots contributed to several minors' suicides. This new policy, which began on Monday, is part of the company's strategy to enhance safety for younger users amid rising concerns about AI interactions. Instead of open-ended chatbots, minors will now have access to a feature named “Stories,” designed to offer guided fictional narratives. The Social Media Victims Law Center has filed multiple lawsuits against Character.

Ai, claiming the company failed to adequately manage the content generated by its chatbots, resulting in devastating consequences. One lawsuit represents the family of a 13-year-old girl who died by suicide after using Character. Ai's chatbot technology. The firm argues that the company knowingly marketed predatory chatbot technology aimed at children. In response to the lawsuits and public scrutiny, Character.

Ai is also collaborating with Koko, a nonprofit providing emotional support tools for youth. The company plans to introduce age verification technology globally to further protect minors accessing its platform.