Character.AI – News Stories About Character.AI - Page 1

Chatbots Helped 'Teens' Plan Real-World Violence

Chatbots Thought
They Were Teens,
Encouraged
Violence

INVESTIGATION

Mar 11, 2026 9:40 AM CDT

Chatbots Thought They Were Teens, Encouraged Violence

In tests run by CNN and Center for Countering Digital Hate, AI offered maps, weapon tips, targets

(Newser) - An ample group of chatbots aimed at helping people think and learn instead helped teenagers figure out where to go and what to use to hurt people. In hundreds of controlled tests run by CNN and the Center for Countering Digital Hate, accounts designed to appear as if they were...

Google to Settle Suit Alleging
Chatbot Pushed Teen to Suicide

Jan 8, 2026 8:22 AM CST

Google to Settle Suit Alleging Chatbot Pushed Teen to Suicide

Company, together with maker of Character.AI, will settle cases filed in numerous states

(Newser) - Google and artificial intelligence chatbot maker Character Technologies have agreed to settle a lawsuit from a Florida mother who alleged a chatbot pushed her teenage son to kill himself , per the AP . Attorneys for the two tech companies have also agreed to settle several other lawsuits filed in Colorado, New...

She Thought a Predator Had Found Her Girl. It Was a Chatbot

She Thought a Predator Was
After Her Girl. It Was a Chatbot

LONGFORM

Dec 27, 2025 7:50 AM CST

She Thought a Predator Was After Her Girl. It Was a Chatbot

Washington Post shares an 11-year-old's experience with 'Mafia Husband'

(Newser) - An 11-year-old Washington state girl, identified as R, had quietly become withdrawn after getting her first iPhone. Her mom, H, initially blamed social media apps that R had downloaded without permission, explains Caitlin Gibson in a lengthy piece for the Washington Post . But digging deeper, H came across a series...

Teens Are Mourning
Their AI Chatbots

Nov 29, 2025 8:30 AM CST

Teens Are Mourning Their AI Chatbots

A Character.AI shutdown for minors leaves young users grieving and confused

(Newser) - The teen rebellion over disappearing AI chatbots has officially begun. After months of warning, the popular chatbot platform Character.AI has started cutting off access for users under 18, and the Wall Street Journal says teens have been taking it ... not well. Posts of grief and frustration are popping up...

Chatbot's 'Very, Very Bold'
Move: Banning Minors

Oct 29, 2025 4:08 PM CDT

Chatbot's 'Very, Very Bold' Move: Banning Minors

After lawsuits from parents, Character.AI says ban will take effect Nov. 25

(Newser) - Character.AI is phasing out access to its AI chatbots for users under 18. The company announced on Wednesday that minors are now limited to just two hours of open-ended chats before a complete ban takes effect on Nov. 25, per the Verge . To enforce the new rule, Character.AI...