Character.AI launches "Parent Insight" function to regulate the use of minor chatbots

Character.AI launches "Parent Insights" feature, allowing teenagers to send chatbot usage reports to parents every week. The report includes the average daily usage time, the most commonly interacted roles, and the length of conversation, aiming to solve the time management and content security issues of minors when using chatbots. This feature is optional, and does not require parents to own an account and does not share specific conversation content. Currently, the platform prohibits children under the age of 13 in most areas, and in Europe, children under the age of 16 are prohibited.

Since last year, Character.AI has been continuously introducing new features for underage users, but it is also facing legal complaints and content warnings. The platform is loved by teenagers, and users can create, customize and interact with chatbots. However, multiple lawsuits accuse the robots of providing inappropriate pornography or material that encourages self-harm. The company said it has redesigned the system to provide trained models for users under 18 to avoid "sensitive" output and add more eye-catching notifications to remind users that the robots are not real people. This may not be the last step the company is being asked to take in the context of the current high concerns about AI regulation and child safety laws.