"Open-ended conversation refers to the unconstrained back-and-forth that happens when users give a chatbot a prompt and it responds with follow-up questions that experts say are designed to keep users engaged. Anand argues this type of interaction - where the AI acts as a conversational partner or friend rather than a creative tool - isn't just risky for kids, but misaligns with the company's vision."
"Character.AI will phase out teen chatbot access by November 25, starting with a two-hour daily limit that shrinks progressively until it hits zero. To ensure this ban remains with under 18 users, the platform will deploy an in-house age verification tool that analyzes user behavior, as well as third-party tools like Persona. If those tools fail, Character.AI will use facial recognition"
Teenagers face heightened emotional vulnerability, chronic online stimulation, and immersive AI companions that sustain endless conversation. Character.AI faced lawsuits and public backlash after at least two teenagers died by suicide following prolonged chatbot interactions. Character.AI will remove open-ended chat access for under-18 users, gradually phasing out access by November 25 with shrinking daily limits. The company plans to shift the product toward collaborative role-playing and creative tools rather than conversational companionship. The platform will enforce the age restriction using in-house behavior analysis, third-party verification like Persona, and facial recognition if other tools fail, potentially impacting revenue.
Read at TechCrunch
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