The North Pole has a new digital helper again this holiday season. Tavus, the AI startup known for face and voice cloning, has launched the second edition of its AI Santa, letting families video chat with a virtual Saint Nick. After signing up for a free account, users can ask Santa about presents, holiday plans, and even check if they’re on the naughty or nice list through text, phone, or video.
This year’s version has been upgraded into a “Tavus PAL,” capable of reading facial expressions, remembering past conversations, and responding with more emotional nuance. AI Santa can now take autonomous actions like browsing the web for gift ideas or drafting emails. Founder Hassan Raza said engagement is soaring, with many users chatting for hours and usage on track to exceed last year’s millions of interactions.
But the popularity brings concerns – especially for children who may struggle to understand they’re speaking with AI. Experts warn that extended chatbot use has already been linked to negative effects, prompting companies like Character.AI to restrict access for minors and think of safer ways to engage with users under 18.
Tavus says the Santa experience includes safety filters, the ability to end risky interactions, and mental-health resource referrals when needed. Families can also request deletion of collected data at any time.
