What Happens When Your AI Friend Crosses the Line?

Character.AI’s Ban on Minors Signals a Turning Point in the Ethics of Artificial Companions

In a move that has shaken the tech and AI community, Character.AI — the popular chatbot platform known for its lifelike digital companions — has banned all users under 18 following a lawsuit over a child’s suicide. The company’s decision, reported by The Guardian, marks a profound shift in how we think about the intersection of artificial intelligence, mental health, and online safety.

This isn’t just another corporate policy update. It’s a wake-up call about the emotional, ethical, and psychological power of AI companions — and what happens when technology becomes too human.

The Tragic Catalyst Behind the Ban

Character.AI became a viral phenomenon for allowing users to chat with AI personalities — fr