Character.AI announced it has completely phased out chatbot access for minors, replacing open-ended AI conversations with a new “Stories” feature that allows teens to engage with interactive fiction instead.
The change represents a significant shift for the platform, which previously allowed users under 18 to have unlimited conversations with AI characters. As of this week, underage users can no longer access the company’s chatbot functionality at all.
“Stories offer a guided way to create and explore fiction, in lieu of open-ended chat,” Character.AI stated in its blog post announcing the change. The new format will be offered alongside other features “so teens can continue engaging with their favorite Characters in a safety-first setting.”
The decision follows mounting concerns about the mental health risks of AI chatbots that remain available around the clock and can initiate conversations with users. Several lawsuits have been filed against companies including OpenAI and Character.AI over their alleged role in user suicides and psychological deterioration.
Industry observers note that interactive fiction has surged in popularity over recent years, making Character.AI’s pivot strategically sensible. However, questions remain whether the Stories format will satisfy users who developed dependencies on the chatbots themselves.
Teen User Reactions Mixed
On the Character.AI subreddit, reactions from teen users varied considerably. While some expressed disappointment, many acknowledged the change was necessary.
“I’m so mad about the ban but also so happy because now I can do other things and my addiction might be over finally,” wrote one user who identified themselves as a teenager.
Another commented: “as someone who is under 18 this is just disappointing. but also rightfully so bc people over here my age get addicted to this.”
Mental health experts note that the Stories format presents fewer psychological risks than roleplaying with chatbots. Unlike conversational AI, interactive fiction does not directly engage users in open-ended dialogue or send unprompted messages when users aren’t actively using the application.
Regulatory Pressure Mounting
Character.AI’s age-gating decision arrives amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of AI companion platforms. California recently became the first state to regulate AI companions, while Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced national legislation that would ban AI companions for minors altogether.
“I really hope us leading the way sets a standard in the industry that for under 18s, open-ended chats are probably not the path or the product to offer,” Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand stated in October.
The company has been gradually phasing out minor access over the past month, with Tuesday marking the complete elimination of chatbot functionality for users under 18. The move positions Character.AI as the first major AI companion platform to voluntarily restrict teen access in response to mental health concerns.
Industry analysts expect other AI companion platforms may face similar pressure to implement age restrictions as research continues documenting the psychological risks of AI chatbot dependency, particularly among adolescent users who may be more vulnerable to developing unhealthy attachment patterns.
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