Character.AI announced the launch of “Stories,” a new interactive fiction format designed for users under 18, as the company restricts access to its chatbots for minors. The change follows concerns about mental health risks linked to AI chatbots, which can initiate conversations 24/7, and amid lawsuits involving platforms such as OpenAI.
With Stories, teens can engage with their favorite AI characters in a structured, guided setting, offering a safer alternative to open-ended chats. The feature integrates with Character.AI’s multimodal capabilities, allowing for a creative exploration of narratives without the psychological risks posed by unsupervised AI interactions.
The rollout comes after a gradual phase-out of chatbot access for minors and aligns with recent AI regulations, including California’s new rules on AI companions. U.S. Senators have also proposed national legislation to restrict AI chatbots for under-18s. Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand said the move aims to set an industry standard for age-appropriate AI experiences.
The shift mirrors broader industry concerns over AI safety for minors, including the lawsuits and regulatory focus highlighted in coverage of AI chatbots’ mental health impacts.
