68 Sources
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After child's trauma, chatbot maker allegedly forced mom to arbitration for $100 payout
Deeply troubled parents spoke to senators Tuesday, sounding alarms about chatbot harms after kids became addicted to companion bots that encouraged self-harm, suicide, and violence. While the hearing was focused on documenting the most urgent child-safety concerns with chatbots, parents' testimony
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OpenAI will apply new restrictions to ChatGPT users under 18 | TechCrunch
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on Tuesday a raft of new user policies, including a pledge to significantly change how ChatGPT interacts with users under the age of 18. "We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens," the post reads. "This is a new and powerful technology, and we
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The looming crackdown on AI companionship
This has been bubbling for a while. Two high-profile lawsuits filed in the last year, against Character.AI and OpenAI, allege that companion-like behavior in their models contributed to the suicides of two teenagers. A study by US nonprofit Common Sense Media, published in July, found that 72% of
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ChatGPT may soon require ID verification from adults, CEO says
On Tuesday, OpenAI announced plans to develop an automated age-prediction system that will determine whether ChatGPT users are over or under 18, automatically directing younger users to a restricted version of the AI chatbot. The company also confirmed that parental controls will launch by the end
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OpenAI Rolls Out Teen Safety Features Amid Growing Scrutiny
OpenAI announced new teen safety features for ChatGPT on Tuesday as part of an ongoing effort to respond to concerns about how minors engage with chatbots. The company is building an age-prediction system that identifies if a user is under 18 years old and routes them to an "age-appropriate" system
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OpenAI Is Building a Teen-Friendly Version of ChatGPT
Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing. OpenAI announced today that it's developing a "different ChatGPT experience" tailored for teenagers, a move that underscores growing concerns about
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ChatGPT will verify your age soon, in attempt to protect teen users
Adults will retain the freedom to use the chatbot as they want. Chatbot users are increasingly confiding in tools like ChatGPT for sensitive or personal matters, including mental health issues. The consequences can be devastating: A teen boy took his own life after spending hours chatting with
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4 Things Parents Need to Know About OpenAI's New Rules for Teens on ChatGPT
Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google. OpenAI today announced major changes in how ChatGPT protects teens, but will it be enough to satisfy growing concerns among parents about their kids talking to the chatbot? This issue has been a hot topic in the past
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FTC to AI Companies: Tell Us How You Protect Teens and Kids Who Use AI Companions
The Federal Trade Commission is launching an investigation into AI chatbots from seven companies, including Alphabet, Meta and OpenAI, over their use as companions. The inquiry involves finding how the companies test, monitor and measure the potential harm to children and teens. A Common Sense
[10]
US parents to urge Senate to prevent AI chatbot harms to kids
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Three parents whose children died or were hospitalized after interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots will testify before a U.S. Senate panel on Tuesday, as lawmakers grapple with potential safeguards around the technology. Matthew Raine, who sued OpenAI after his son
[11]
The FTC is investigating AI companions from OpenAI, Meta, and other companies
Many tech companies offer AI companions to boost user engagement. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating the safety risks posed by AI companions to kids and teenagers, the agency announced Thursday. The federal regulator submitted orders to seven tech companies building
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FTC Investigates Chatbot Security As Altman Talks Limiting ChatGPT Access
Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google. The Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into tech companies with chatbots that can act as AI companions to evaluate their safety and impact on young people's health. The agency sent letters to Google,
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OpenAI to launch ChatGPT for teens with parental controls as company faces scrutiny over safety
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman walks on the day of a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 4, 2025. OpenAI on Tuesday announced it will launch a dedicated ChatGPT experience with parental
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Another lawsuit blames an AI company of complicity in a teenager's suicide
Another family a wrongful death lawsuit against popular AI chatbot tool Character AI. This is the third suit of its kind after a , also against Character AI, involving the suicide of a 14-year-old in Florida, and a last month alleging OpenAI's ChatGPT helped a teenage boy commit suicide. The
[15]
Parents of teens who died by suicide after AI chatbot interactions to testify to Congress
The parents of teenagers who killed themselves after interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots are planning to testify to Congress on Tuesday about the dangers of the technology. Matthew Raine, the father of 16-year-old Adam Raine of California, and Megan Garcia, the mother of 14-year-old
[16]
FTC investigates OpenAI, Meta, Google over potential chatbot harm
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. In context: The demands for disclosure set the stage for months of scrutiny. For companies banking on chatbots as key growth products, the regulator's questions strike directly at how those
[17]
Safety of AI chatbots for children and teens faces US inquiry
The seven companies - Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, XAI, Meta and its subsidiary Instagram - have been approached for comment. FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson said the inquiry will "help us better understand how AI firms are developing their products and the steps they are taking to protect
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FTC launches inquiry into AI chatbots of Alphabet, Meta and others
Sept 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday said it is seeking information from several companies including Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab and OpenAI that provide consumer-facing AI-powered chatbots, on how these firms measure, test
[19]
ChatGPT Will Guess Your Age and Might Require ID for Age Verification
OpenAI introduces new age prediction and verification methods after wave of teen suicide stories involving chatbots. OpenAI has announced it is introducing new safety measures for ChatGPT after the a wave of stories and lawsuits accusing ChatGPT and other chatbots of playing a role in a number of
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I'm a mom and AI editor -- here's why OpenAI's new ChatGPT rules hit close to home for me
As a mother of three grade school children, I'm watching my kids grow up in a world that changes almost as fast as they do. In my work, I spend my days testing, re-testing and reviewing AI, so the news of OpenAI's new safety protections for ChatGPT users under 18 gave me pause. I both exhaled with
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Grieving parents press Congress to act on AI chatbots
Why it matters: Growing concerns over kids' use of AI chatbots, and the lawsuits that follow, are putting the pressure on Congress to act and companies to rethink how they launch products for young users. * Ahead of the hearing, OpenAI said it was developing a ChatGPT for teens and using
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OpenAI will start asking for your ID in some cases as part of ChatGPT protections for teens
After a growing number of reports of users developing parasocial attachments to AI assistants -- and a lawsuit filed by parents of a teenager who consulted ChatGPT about suicide methods before tragically taking his own life -- ChatGPT parent company OpenAI has announced new safety features for its
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After losing their son, parents urge Senate to take action on AI chatbots
Matthew Raine spoke before Senate leaders as the federal subcommittee investigates chatbot safety failures. Credit: Courtesy of Matthew and Maria Raine "You cannot imagine what it was like to read a conversation with a chatbot that groomed your child to take his own life," Matthew Raine, father of
[24]
Parents Of Kids Allegedly Killed and Harmed by AI Give Emotional Testimony on Capitol Hill, Urge Regulation
Parents who allege their children were abused, physically harmed, and even killed by AI chatbots gave emotional testimonies on Capitol Hill on Tuesday during a hearing about risks to young users posed by the tech -- all while urging lawmakers to enforce regulation in a landscape that remains a
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ChatGPT went from homework helper to confidant to 'suicide coach,' parents testify in Congress after teen's death | Fortune
Parents whose teenagers killed themselves after interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots testified to Congress on Tuesday about the dangers of the technology. "What began as a homework helper gradually turned itself into a confidant and then a suicide coach," said Matthew Raine, whose
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ChatGPT for teens is coming soon. Here's what to know
Following a slew of reports of ChatGPT users experiencing mental health crises, OpenAI said it's making a version just for teens. "We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a blog post. "This is a new and powerful technology, and we believe minors
[27]
Parents of teens who died by suicide after AI chatbot interactions to testify to Congress
The parents of teenagers who killed themselves after interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots are planning to testify to Congress on Tuesday about the dangers of the technology. Matthew Raine, the father of 16-year-old Adam Raine of California, and Megan Garcia, the mother of 14-year-old
[28]
AI Giants Face FTC Inquiry Into Chatbot Safety and Child Protections - Decrypt
Companies must reveal user data handling by age group and safeguards preventing inappropriate interactions with minors. The Federal Trade Commission issued compulsory orders Thursday to seven major technology companies, demanding detailed information about how their artificial intelligence
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Parents testify on the impact of AI chatbots: 'Our children are not experiments'
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the Microsoft Build conference on May 21, 2024.Jason Redmond / AFP - Getty Images file Parents and online safety advocates on Tuesday urged Congress to push for more safeguards around artificial intelligence chatbots, claiming tech companies designed their
[30]
OpenAI says it is rolling out new safety measures for ChatGPT users under 18
Anne Marie D. Lee is an editor for CBS MoneyWatch. She writes about topics including personal finance, the workplace, travel and social media. OpenAI announced Tuesday that it is directing teens to an age-appropriate version of its ChatGPT technology as it seeks to bolster safeguards amid a period
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OpenAI is building a ChatGPT for teens
* OpenAI says that if its tools can't confidently predict a person's age, ChatGPT will default to its under-18 version, "out of an abundance of caution." The big picture: In a separate blog post Tuesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman writes, "Some of our principles are in conflict, and we'd like to
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FTC launches inquiry into tech companies offering AI chatbots to kids
The Federal Trade Commission ordered seven tech companies to provide details on how they prevent their chatbots from harming children. "The FTC inquiry seeks to understand what steps, if any, companies have taken to evaluate the safety of their chatbots when acting as companions, to limit the
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ChatGPT gets a teen-only version with safety guardrails
On Tuesday, AI startup OpenAI announced it would launch a new ChatGPT experience just for kids. The announcement explained that the latest ChatGPT was created as part of an effort to protect children' s privacy. "We prioritize safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens; this is a new and
[34]
FTC questions OpenAI, Meta and others over child protections in AI companions - SiliconANGLE
FTC questions OpenAI, Meta and others over child protections in AI companions The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into the practices of seven companies that offer consumer-facing artificial intelligence-powered chatbots designed to act as companies on how the firms measure,
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AI Chatbots Are Leaving a Trail of Dead Teens
Content warning: this story includes discussion of self-harm and suicide. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. A third family has filed a lawsuit against an AI company, alleging that
[36]
AI chatbots are harming young people. Regulators are scrambling to keep up. | Fortune
A growing number of young people have found themselves a new friend. One that isn't a classmate, a sibling, or even a therapist, but a human-like, always supportive AI chatbot. But if that friend begins to mirror some user's darkest thoughts, the results can be devastating. In the case of Adam
[37]
US regulator probes AI chatbots over child safety concerns
The US Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday it has launched an inquiry into AI chatbots that act as digital companions, focusing on potential risks to children and teenagers. The consumer protection agency issued orders to seven companies -- including tech giants Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI and
[38]
Under 18? You won't be able to use ChatGPT soon
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced new policies on Tuesday for ChatGPT users under the age of 18, implementing stricter controls that prioritize safety over privacy and freedom. The changes, which focus on preventing discussions related to sexual content and self-harm, come as the company faces
[39]
Parents of teens who died by suicide after AI chatbot interactions testify to Congress
Parents of teenagers who died by suicide after interacting with AI chatbots testified before Congress Parents whose teenagers killed themselves after interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots testified to Congress on Tuesday about the dangers of the technology. "What began as a homework
[40]
Parents of teens who died by suicide after AI chatbot interactions to testify to Congress
The parents of teenagers who killed themselves after interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots are planning to testify to Congress on Tuesday about the dangers of the technology. Matthew Raine, the father of 16-year-old Adam Raine of California, and Megan Garcia, the mother of 14-year-old
[41]
New ChatGPT teen-safety measures will include age prediction and verification, OpenAI says
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the Microsoft Build conference in 2024.Jason Redmond / AFP - Getty Images file ChatGPT developer OpenAI announced new teen safety features Tuesday, including an age-prediction system and ID age verification in some countries. In a blog post, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman
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Their teens died by suicide after AI chatbot interactions. Now the parents are testifying to Congress.
The parents of teenagers who killed themselves after interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots testified to Congress on Tuesday about the dangers of the technology. Matthew Raine, the father of 16-year-old Adam Raine of California, and Megan Garcia, the mother of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer
[43]
Parents call for guardrails on AI chatbots after suicides, self-harm
Parents called for guardrails on artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots Tuesday as they testified before the Senate about how the technology drove their children to self-harm and suicide. Their pleas for action come amid increasing concerns about the impact of the rapidly developing technology on
[44]
US Parents to Urge Senate to Prevent AI Chatbot Harms to Kids
(Reuters) -Three parents whose children died or were hospitalized after interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots will testify before a U.S. Senate panel on Tuesday, as lawmakers grapple with potential safeguards around the technology. Matthew Raine, who sued OpenAI after his son Adam died
[45]
Teens love AI chatbots. The FTC says that's a problem.
Bespoke AI-powered chatbots crafted to be your best friend, confidante or sexy roleplay partner are everywhere, and kids love them. That's a problem. This week, the FTC launched an inquiry into how AI chatbots impact the children and teens who talk to them - a phenomenon that right now remains
[46]
Parents Testifying Before US Senate, Saying AI Killed Their Children
Content warning: this story includes discussion of self-harm and suicide. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Parents of children who died by suicide following extensive interactions
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FTC launches inquiry into the great teenage chatbot companion problem | Fortune
The FTC said Thursday it has sent letters to Google parent Alphabet, Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms, Snap, Character Technologies, ChatGPT maker OpenAI and xAI. The FTC said it wants to understand what steps, if any, companies have taken to evaluate the safety of their chatbots when
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OpenAI Wants to Treat Adults Like Adults, Increase Safeguards for Teens
Users will have the chance to prove their age if mistakenly tagged OpenAI announced several new measures on Tuesday to protect teenagers and children using ChatGPT and its other products. On the other hand, the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence (AI) firm stated that it will adopt a
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Parents of teens who died by suicide after AI chatbot interactions to testify to Congress
Parents of teenagers who died by suicide after interacting with AI chatbots are set to testify before Congress The parents of teenagers who killed themselves after interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots are planning to testify to Congress on Tuesday about the dangers of the
[50]
FTC launches inquiry into AI chatbot companions and their effects on children
The Federal Trade Commission has started an inquiry into several social media and artificial intelligence companies, including OpenAI and Meta, about the potential harms to children and teenagers who use their chatbots as companions. On Thursday, the FTC said it has sent letters to Google parent
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OpenAI tightens rules on sensitive queries amid teen concerns - The Economic Times
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has broken his silence on recent concerns over ChatGPT's impact on teenagers. The artificial intelligence (AI) major has introduced teen-specific principles focussed on safety, freedom, and privacy, while imposing age restrictions on sensitive queries such as
[52]
Grieving Parents Tell Congress That AI Chatbots Groomed Their Children and Encouraged Self-Harm
Three grieving parents delivered harrowing testimony before Congress on Tuesday, describing how their children had self-harmed -- in two cases, taking their own lives -- after sustained engagement with AI chatbots. Each accused the tech companies behind these products of prioritizing profit over
[53]
OpenAI building age prediction technology, adding new parental controls
OpenAI announced Tuesday that it is working on age prediction technology and launching additional parental controls for ChatGPT amid growing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on children. The AI firm is building a system to estimate whether a user is under 18 years
[54]
FTC Launches Probe Into OpenAI, Google, Meta, Snapchat - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an investigation into the potential adverse effects of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on children and teenagers. The probe encompasses seven major companies, including OpenAI, Alphabet GOOG GOOGL, Meta META, and Snapchat SNAP. Regulators Seek
[55]
Google, OpenAI Under FTC Scrutiny Over How AI Chatbots Affect Children
Recently, a ChatGPT user committed suicide after killing his mother Google, OpenAI, Meta, and several other artificial intelligence (AI) companies are now facing an inquiry over how they handle safety and mitigate risks associated with their chatbots. The order was passed by the US Federal Trade
[56]
FTC launces inquiry into AI chatbots acting as companions and their effects on children
The Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into several social media and artificial intelligence companies about the potential harms to children and teenagers who use their AI chatbots as companions The Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into several social media and
[57]
US parents to urge Senate to prevent AI chatbot harms to kids - The Economic Times
Three parents whose children died or were hospitalised after interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots will testify before a US Senate panel on Tuesday, as lawmakers grapple with potential safeguards around the technology. Matthew Raine, who sued OpenAI after his son Adam died by suicide
[58]
OpenAI Developing Age Verification for ChatGPT | PYMNTS.com
By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The artificial intelligence (AI) startup announced Tuesday (Sept. 16) that it
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AI chatbot concerns, whistleblower allegations revive kids online safety push
Recent revelations about how artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are interacting with and affecting children are colliding with longstanding concerns about tech companies' approach to safety and revitalizing efforts to pass kids' online safety legislation. Chatbots from both Meta and OpenAI have
[60]
FTC Questions OpenAI, xAI, Meta on AI Chatbot Child Protection
On September 11, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it had launched an inquiry under its Section 6(b) authority, which allows the commission to request answers in writing from companies on conduct, practices, management, etc, into consumer-facing AI-powered chatbots acting as
[61]
Parents' horror stories are a wake-up call: Protect kids from...
Political leaders and parents need to take notice of a rising threat: AI chatbots that can quickly suck their kids in and become influential confidants, sometimes with disastrous consequences. On Tuesday, a Senate subcommittee heard stomach-churning stories from three parents who are suing AI
[62]
ChatGPT to Introduce Teen Safety Upgrades & ID Verification, Sam Altman Confirms
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shared a plan to implement stringent age verification, upgrade parental control features, and offer age-appropriate conversations on ChatGPT. This came a few hours before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the potential risks of AI chatbots to minors. Altman's plan
[63]
Parents sue Character AI -- firm behind 'Harry Potter' chatbots --...
Grieving parents sued the Silicon Valley firm behind Character AI -- the wildly popular app whose chatbots impersonate fictional characters like Harry Potter -- claiming that the bots helped spark their teens' suicide attempts and deaths. The lawsuits filed this week against Character Technologies
[64]
US parents to urge Senate to prevent AI chatbot harms to kids
(Reuters) -Three parents whose children died or were hospitalized after interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots will testify before a U.S. Senate panel on Tuesday, as lawmakers grapple with potential safeguards around the technology. Matthew Raine, who sued OpenAI after his son Adam died
[65]
Parents of teens who killed themselves at chatbots' urging demand...
WASHINGTON -- Parents of four teens whose AI chatbots encouraged them to kill themselves urged Congress to crack down on the unregulated technology Tuesday as they shared heart-wrenching stories of their teens' tech-charged, mental health spirals. Speaking before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee,
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ChatGPT's age verification system explained: How does it work?
How OpenAI verifies age with AI signals, parental controls, and ID proof Artificial intelligence has quickly become a fixture in classrooms, workplaces, and homes. But with that rise comes a question that parents, regulators, and companies can't ignore: what happens when teenagers use powerful AI
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OpenAI to build age-prediction system, restrict flirtation and suicide talk for teens
If a teen shows signs of suicidal thoughts, OpenAI will try to reach their parents and, if necessary, alert authorities. OpenAI has announced new steps to balance privacy, freedom, and teen safety as people use AI for more personal conversations. In a recent blog post, CEO Sam Altman explained how
[68]
Are AI chatbots safe for children? Big tech companies need to answer, says US FTC
Regulators probe chatbot risks for minors, pushing Big Tech towards stronger safeguards The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way children and teenagers interact with technology, from educational tools to entertainment companions. Among the most prominent developments
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Major AI companies are facing lawsuits and regulatory pressure due to the alleged harmful effects of chatbots on teenagers. In response, they are implementing new safety features and age restrictions.

In recent months, AI chatbots have come under intense scrutiny due to their alleged harmful effects on teenagers. Several high-profile lawsuits and incidents have brought this issue to the forefront, prompting tech giants to implement new safety measures and face increased regulatory pressure.
Two notable lawsuits have been filed against AI companies, including Character.AI and OpenAI, alleging that their chatbots contributed to the suicides of two teenagers . In one case, a mother testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about her son's traumatic experience with Character.AI's chatbot . The boy, who has autism, reportedly developed severe behavioral issues, including self-harm and homicidal thoughts, after interacting with the AI.
In response to these concerns, major AI companies are implementing new safety features:
OpenAI: The company announced plans to develop an automated age-prediction system for ChatGPT, which will direct users under 18 to a restricted version of the chatbot . OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated they are "prioritizing safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens" .
Parental Controls: OpenAI will launch parental controls by the end of September, allowing parents to link their child's account and manage conversations .
Content Restrictions: The restricted version of ChatGPT for underage users will block graphic sexual content and include other age-appropriate limitations .
Suicide Prevention: If the system detects a user is considering suicide or self-harm, it may contact the user's parents or, in severe cases, alert local authorities .
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The growing concern over AI chatbots' impact on teens has caught the attention of lawmakers and regulators:
California Bill: California passed a bill requiring AI companies to remind minor users that responses are AI-generated and to have protocols for addressing suicide and self-harm .
FTC Inquiry: The Federal Trade Commission announced an inquiry into seven major tech companies, including Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Character Technologies, seeking information about their development of companion-like characters and their impact on users .
Age Verification: OpenAI is considering implementing ID verification for adult users to access unrestricted versions of ChatGPT, acknowledging the privacy trade-off .
The implementation of these safety measures is not without challenges. Age prediction and verification systems remain complex, and their effectiveness is yet to be proven . The balance between user privacy and safety remains contentious .
As the debate continues, the AI industry faces a critical moment in addressing the potential risks associated with chatbot interactions, particularly for vulnerable users such as teenagers. The outcome of ongoing lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and legislative efforts will likely shape the future of AI companionship and its governance.
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09 Dec 2025•Technology

29 Dec 2025•Entertainment and Society

03 Sept 2025•Technology

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