Tony Kim
Oct 29, 2025 22:30
Character.AI announces significant changes to enhance the safety of its platform for users under 18, including removing open-ended chat and introducing age assurance tools.
Character.AI Enhances Safety for Teen Users
Character.AI has announced a series of significant changes aimed at enhancing the safety of its platform for users under the age of 18, according to the Character.AI Blog. These changes include the removal of open-ended chat capabilities and the introduction of new age assurance functionalities, set to be implemented by November 25, 2025.
New Initiatives for User Safety
In an effort to maintain a secure environment, Character.AI will be restricting users under 18 from engaging in open-ended conversations with AI on their platform. This decision is part of a broader strategy to ensure that teens can engage creatively with AI in a safe manner. Additionally, the platform will limit chat time for underage users to two hours per day, progressively reducing this limit ahead of the full implementation date.
Character.AI is also rolling out an in-house developed age assurance model, complemented by third-party tools such as Persona, to ensure that users receive an age-appropriate experience. This model is a key part of the company’s commitment to safeguarding young users as they interact with AI.
Establishment of the AI Safety Lab
Further emphasizing its dedication to safety, Character.AI announced the creation of the AI Safety Lab, an independent non-profit organization. This lab will focus on advancing safety techniques for AI entertainment features. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including technology companies and researchers, the lab aims to foster innovation in safety alignment for next-generation AI applications.
Rationale Behind the Changes
The decision to implement these changes comes in response to growing concerns about how teens interact with AI. Recent reports and feedback from regulators and safety experts have highlighted potential risks associated with open-ended AI chats. Character.AI’s proactive measures are intended to address these concerns and set a precedent for prioritizing safety in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Character.AI’s approach, which is notably more conservative than some of its peers, reflects its commitment to providing a safe and creative environment for teen users. The company plans to continue collaborating with experts and regulators to ensure that its platform remains a safe space for creativity and discovery.
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