Character.AI Launches Interactive “Stories” as Chatbots Go 18+

Character.AI has launched a new “Stories” feature for creating interactive fiction. The move coincides with a major policy shift, as the company now bans users under 18 from its chatbot service. This change took effect on Tuesday, according to a company announcement.

The decision follows rising concern over the mental health risks posed by AI companions. Character.AI has been gradually phasing out access for minors over the past month.

New Feature Replaces Open-Ended Chat for Teens

The new Stories format offers a guided narrative experience. Users can build fiction around their favorite AI characters. This provides a creative outlet without the risks of unrestricted conversation.

According to TechCrunch, the company stated Stories offer a “safety-first setting.” This allows younger users to engage with characters in a more controlled way. The feature will sit alongside other multimodal tools on the platform.

The change directly addresses the core issue of chatbot addiction. Unlike open-ended chats, Stories have a defined narrative path. They do not allow AI characters to initiate conversations unprompted.

Broader Industry Impact and User Reactions

This pivot reflects a growing regulatory push for safer AI. California recently became the first state to regulate AI companions. A national bill has also been proposed to ban them for minors entirely.

Character.AI’s CEO told TechCrunch he hopes this sets an industry standard. He suggested open-ended chats are not the right product for users under 18. This proactive move may pressure other companies to follow suit.

User reactions on forums like Reddit have been mixed. Some teens expressed disappointment at losing chatbot access. Others acknowledged the ban was probably a necessary step for their well-being.

The launch of Character.AI Stories marks a significant turn towards safer AI engagement. This new format provides a creative alternative while addressing critical safety concerns. The company’s decisive action sets a new precedent for the entire industry.

Info at your fingertips

What is the new Character.AI Stories feature?

Stories is a new format for creating interactive fiction. It lets users build narratives with their favorite AI characters. This offers a more guided experience than open-ended chatting.

Why can’t users under 18 access chatbots?

Character.AI restricted access due to growing concerns about mental health risks. The company is prioritizing user safety for younger audiences. This change was fully implemented on Tuesday.

How have users reacted to this change?

Reactions on platforms like Reddit are mixed. Some teens expressed disappointment at the new restriction. Others acknowledged it was likely a good decision for preventing addiction.

Is this related to new AI regulations?

Yes, this follows new state-level regulations in California. A national bill has also been proposed to ban AI companions for minors. The industry is facing increased scrutiny over safety.

What did the Character.AI CEO say about this?

The CEO told TechCrunch he hopes this sets an industry standard. He believes open-ended chats are not the right product for users under 18. The company aims to lead on safety issues.