Why Character.AI is backing away from kids
Character.AI, once a favorite among teen users, is cutting off access to under-18 chat experiences. The company says it’s aligning with upcoming AI safety and age-verification rules in both the U.S. and Europe.
The subtext behind the shutdown
- Regulators are increasingly warning that AI chatbots can blur identity boundaries, making it difficult to ensure healthy engagement for young users.
- By taking early action, Character.AI avoids potential compliance penalties and reputational blowback.
- Expect other conversational AI providers to tighten access or spin up youth-safe modes ahead of new global AI acts.
The broader takeaway
This move signals an inflection point: AI chat products are being forced to evolve from “anyone can talk to anything” toward verified-age, accountable interaction ecosystems.