Character.AI Launches “Stories” for Teens Following Chatbot Ban

Character.AI has launched a new “Stories” feature for its younger users. The interactive fiction tool was announced on Tuesday. It arrives just as the company bans users under 18 from its open-ended chatbots.

This major policy shift addresses growing safety concerns. The move aims to protect minors from potential mental health risks.

A New Direction for Teen Engagement

The new Stories feature offers a guided narrative experience. Users can create fiction with their favorite characters. This replaces the unrestricted chat format.

According to TechCrunch, the company is prioritizing a safety-first setting. Teens can still engage with characters in this more structured way. The change was implemented this week.

Reactions on the Character.AI subreddit are mixed. Some teens expressed disappointment with the chatbot ban. Others acknowledged it was a necessary step to curb addiction.

Regulatory Pressure and Industry Impact

This decision comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny. California recently became the first state to regulate AI companions. A national bill has also been proposed to ban them for minors entirely.

The company’s CEO hopes this sets an industry standard. He suggested open-ended chats may not be suitable for users under 18. This pivot reflects a broader industry reckoning.

Several lawsuits have been filed against AI firms. They allege a connection between chatbot use and user self-harm. This has forced the industry to re-evaluate its safety protocols.

Character.AI’s new Stories feature represents a significant compromise. It allows for creative expression while mitigating potential harm. This balanced approach could define the future of safe AI for teens.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the Character.AI Stories feature?

Stories is a new interactive fiction format. It lets users create guided narratives with AI characters. This replaces open-ended, real-time chatting for teens.

Why did Character.AI ban minors from chatbots?

The ban addresses concerns about mental health risks and addiction. Open-ended chatbots can initiate conversations at any time. This was seen as potentially harmful for younger users.

Can teenagers still use Character.AI?

Yes, but only through the new Stories feature and other multimodal tools. They have completely lost access to the open-ended chat function. The platform aims to provide a safer engagement model.

How have users reacted to this change?

Reactions are split among the user community. Some teens are disappointed to lose chatbot access. Others recognize the change as a positive step for their well-being.

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 legal and public pressure.