Character.AI to Ban Children Under 18 From Using Its Chatbots

NYT — TechnologyWednesday, October 29, 2025 at 1:16:54 PM
Character.AI to Ban Children Under 18 From Using Its Chatbots
Character.AI, a start-up known for creating AI companions, has announced it will ban users under 18 from accessing its chatbots starting next month. This decision comes in the wake of lawsuits from families who claim that the chatbots have contributed to tragic outcomes among teenagers. The move highlights the growing concerns about the impact of AI technology on young users and the responsibilities companies have in ensuring their safety. As the debate around AI ethics continues, this ban could set a precedent for how similar platforms manage age restrictions.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
Teenage boys using ‘personalised’ AI for therapy and romance, survey finds
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
A recent survey by Male Allies UK reveals a concerning trend among teenage boys who are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for companionship and therapy. Over a third of the boys surveyed expressed interest in having an AI friend, raising alarms about their ability to socialize and respect boundaries in real-life relationships. This shift towards hyper-personalized AI interactions could hinder their emotional development and interpersonal skills, making it crucial for parents and educators to address these issues.
Nvidia Becomes First $5 Trillion Firm, Lifted by AI Boom | Bloomberg Tech 10/29/2025
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Nvidia has made history by becoming the first company to reach a $5 trillion market valuation, a milestone driven by the booming demand for artificial intelligence technologies. This achievement highlights Nvidia's pivotal role in the tech industry and sets a benchmark for other companies. As major players like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta prepare to announce their earnings, the focus on AI's transformative potential continues to grow. Additionally, AI startup Character.AI is taking steps to ensure safety by banning children from interacting with chatbots, reflecting the ongoing conversation about responsible AI use.
Character.AI to ban teens from talking to its chatbots
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Character.AI has announced a ban on teenagers interacting with its chatbots, a decision that raises concerns about online safety and the implications for young users. This move is significant as it reflects growing awareness of the potential risks associated with AI interactions for minors, highlighting the need for responsible technology use.
Startup Character.AI to ban direct chat for minors after teen suicide
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Character.AI has decided to ban direct chat for users under 18 after a tragic incident involving a 14-year-old who took their own life after forming a bond with one of its AI chatbots. This policy change highlights the growing concerns about the emotional impact of AI interactions on young users, emphasizing the need for responsible technology use and safeguarding mental health.
Character.AI, Accused of Driving Teens to Suicide, Says It Will Ban Minors From Using Its Chatbots
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Character.AI has announced it will ban minors from using its chatbots after facing accusations of contributing to teen suicides. This decision comes in response to serious concerns about the impact of its technology on vulnerable young users. The move highlights the ongoing debate about the responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding mental health, especially among teenagers who may be more susceptible to harmful interactions online.
Character.AI bans users under 18 after being sued over child’s suicide
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Character.AI has decided to ban users under 18 from using its virtual companions starting in late November, following legal scrutiny and a lawsuit linked to a child's suicide. This move highlights the growing concern among lawmakers about the safety of minors interacting with AI technologies. By implementing age verification, the company aims to protect young users from potential harm, reflecting a broader trend in the tech industry to prioritize child safety in digital spaces.
Character.ai plans to limit under-18s to two hours of conversations per day, gradually reducing the time limit before banning them completely from November 25 (Cristina Criddle/Financial Times)
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Character.ai has announced a controversial decision to limit users under 18 to just two hours of conversations per day, with plans to phase out access entirely by November 25. This move raises concerns about the impact on young users who rely on AI for social interaction and learning. The decision reflects growing scrutiny over the effects of technology on youth, highlighting the balance between safety and accessibility in digital spaces.
Character.AI to Ban Children Under 18 From Talking to Its Chatbots
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Character.AI, an artificial intelligence startup, has decided to ban children under 18 from interacting with its chatbots. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from lawmakers and multiple lawsuits claiming that the company's chatbots could pose risks to young users. This move highlights the ongoing concerns about the safety of children in digital spaces and the responsibility of tech companies to protect their users.
Latest from Artificial Intelligence
CinemaSins: Everything Wrong With Frankenweenie In 14 Minutes Or Less
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
CinemaSins has released a new video critiquing Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie' as it returns to theaters. In their signature style, they humorously point out flaws while expressing their affection for the film. This playful roast not only entertains fans but also promotes their various platforms, engaging the audience further. It's a fun way to revisit a beloved movie and connect with the CinemaSins community.
Google Delivers First $100 Billion Quarter on AI and Cloud Growth
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Google has achieved a remarkable milestone by reporting its first $100 billion quarter, driven by significant growth in its AI and cloud services. This achievement not only highlights the company's strong performance but also underscores the increasing importance of technology in today's economy. As businesses and consumers alike continue to embrace digital solutions, Google's success in this area positions it well for future growth and innovation.
CinemaSins: Everything Wrong With Final Destination: Bloodlines in 24 Minutes or Less
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
CinemaSins has just released a new video titled 'Everything Wrong With Final Destination: Bloodlines in 24 Minutes or Less,' where they humorously dissect the latest installment of the franchise. Their signature style combines witty commentary with insightful film trivia, making it an entertaining watch for fans and critics alike. This video not only highlights the film's flaws but also engages viewers with its fun approach, proving that even a less-than-perfect movie can spark lively discussion.
CinemaSins: Everything Wrong With Longlegs In 24 Minutes Or Less
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Cinemasins has just released a new video titled 'Everything Wrong With Longlegs In 24 Minutes Or Less,' where they humorously critique Nicolas Cage's exaggerated acting. This video not only showcases their signature comedic style but also builds excitement for Osgood Perkins's upcoming thriller, 'Keeper.' Fans can enjoy the usual Cinemasins features, including links to their YouTube spinoffs and a fun poll, while also getting to know the talented writers behind the content. It's a delightful watch for both fans of Cage and those who appreciate clever film commentary.
Mr Sunday Movies: Predator - Caravan of Garbage
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Mr Sunday Movies is launching an exciting four-week exploration of the Predator franchise, starting with the iconic 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This deep dive promises to highlight the film's standout direction, impressive creature design, and the thrilling action that made it a classic. It's a great opportunity for fans to revisit the film and discover new insights, while also enjoying bonus content available on platforms like bigsandwich.co and YouTube.
PatientSim: A Persona-Driven Simulator for Realistic Doctor-Patient Interactions
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
PatientSim is an innovative simulator designed to enhance doctor-patient interactions by generating realistic and diverse patient personas. This tool is crucial because it addresses the limitations of existing simulators that often overlook the variety of personas encountered in clinical settings. By providing a more accurate training environment for doctors, PatientSim aims to improve communication and understanding in healthcare, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.