Google and Character.AI Reach Settlement with Family over AI Chatbot Harming Minors Case

Glonghui January 8｜Google and Character.AI have agreed to settle several lawsuits with families involving minors, in which the AI chatbots were accused of causing harm to underage users, including incidents of suicide. According to court documents filed this week, the families and the companies have agreed to negotiate settlement terms and will pause litigation in order to draft and sign formal settlement documents. In recent years, multiple families have filed lawsuits, alleging that their loved ones treated AI products as companions or psychological support tools, which ultimately led to self-harm or death. Under external pressure, Character.AI announced as early as October 2024 that it would prohibit users under the age of 18 from having unrestricted conversations with chatbots, including romantic or therapeutic interactions.