Artificial intelligence-based digital platform Character.AI has completely stopped underage users from accessing its AI chatbots and instead launched the “Stories” format that offers an interactive fiction experience. The company announced this decision as a step that prioritizes user security. Users under the age of 18 will no longer be able to have open-ended chats on the platform; Instead, they will be able to interact with characters through structured stories with specific direction.
In the blog post published by Character.AI, it was stated that “Stories offer the opportunity to explore fictional worlds in a guided way instead of open-ended conversation.” This new feature will work integrated with other multi-modal tools offered by the platform. Thus, young users will be able to continue their interactions with their favorite characters in a more controlled and safe environment.
Character.AI implemented the transformation in phases
Recently, concerns have increased that artificial intelligence chat bots, which are accessible 24/7, cause psychological addiction, especially among young users. The fact that these bots can sometimes initiate messages without triggering the user can negatively affect the emotional balance of young individuals. Following some tragic cases, legal proceedings have been initiated against Character.AI and similar platforms. In particular, claims that interactions with artificial intelligence are effective in some user suicides have created controversy in the public.
Character.AI had gradually implemented this transformation over the last month. As of this week, underage users’ interaction with chat bots has been completely stopped. The company positioned this approach as a measure that prioritizes user health and safety.
Looking at the comments of young users in the platform’s Reddit community, reactions are quite diverse. While some users state that this decision is restrictive, some evaluate this development positively in terms of combating addiction. One young user said, “The ban made me sad, but now I can deal with other things. Maybe I will get rid of my addiction,” while another commented, “I’m disappointed, but I accept that this decision is right.”
This decision taken by Character.AI coincided with a period when legal regulations for artificial intelligence-supported digital friend applications were being discussed in the USA. While California became the first state to implement regulation for such artificial intelligence services, Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal also introduced a bill that would completely ban artificial intelligence-based dating services for underage individuals nationally.
In an interview with TechCrunch last month, Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand said, “We think open-ended chats are not a suitable product model for users under 18. Therefore, we hope that being a pioneer in this field will set a standard in the industry.”