Character.AI Bans Open-Ended Chatbots for Under-18 Users

Character.AI is significantly restricting its platform for younger users, announcing that it will phase out open-ended chatbot conversations for anyone under the age of 18. This strategic pivot follows intense public scrutiny and legal challenges regarding the impact of AI companion bots on minors.

The company will begin implementing these restrictions on November 25. The transition will start with a two-hour daily time limit for minors, which will be progressively reduced until open-ended chat functionality is entirely disabled for that demographic.

A Pivot from Companion to Creator

CEO Karandeep Anand stated that the decision aims to move the platform away from the “AI friend” model, which critics argue is designed to maximize engagement through potentially harmful, unconstrained interactions. Instead, the startup plans to reposition itself as a hub for collaborative storytelling and creative visual generation.

The company is betting that younger users will transition to these newer, structured features, which include:

• AvatarFX: A tool for transforming images into animated videos.
• Scenes: Interactive, pre-populated narratives where users engage with characters.
• Streams: A feature enabling dynamic interactions between multiple AI characters.
• Community Feed: A social space for sharing user-generated content, such as scenes and videos.

Enhanced Verification and Safety Measures

To enforce the new age restrictions, Character.AI is implementing a multi-layered verification system. The platform will utilize in-house behavioral analysis alongside third-party tools like Persona. In instances where these methods are insufficient, the company intends to employ ID checks and facial recognition technology.

These safety efforts also include the launch of an independent nonprofit, the AI Safety Lab, which will focus on developing safety alignment standards for entertainment-focused AI.

Industry Pressure and Future Outlook

The move comes as lawmakers intensify their focus on the sector. Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have signaled plans to introduce legislation targeting AI companion bots for minors. Furthermore, California recently enacted state-level regulations aimed at holding companies accountable for safety failures in AI products.

Anand acknowledged that the decision will likely lead to user churn and disappointment among the platform’s younger audience. However, he emphasized that the company views this as a necessary step for responsible development, hoping to set a new industry standard.

“I have a six-year-old, and I want to make sure she grows up in a very safe environment with AI in a responsible way,” Anand said. “For us, I think the tradeoffs are the right ones to make.”