Key Points
- Character.AI and Google have reached mediated settlements in principle for multiple teen‑suicide lawsuits.
- The settlements cover claims in Colorado, New York, Texas and a high‑profile case involving a Game of Thrones chatbot.
- Google is alleged to be a co‑creator of the chatbot technology due to its financial and technical contributions.
- Character.AI introduced separate language models, stricter content limits and parental controls for users under 18.
- The company later prohibited minors from participating in open‑ended character chats.
- Spokespersons for both companies declined to comment on the settlement details.
- Legal counsel for the families also declined further comment.
- The filings provided a list of suicide‑prevention hotlines and crisis‑text resources.
Legal Settlements Announced
Character.AI and Google notified a federal court in Florida that they have reached a mediated settlement in principle to resolve all claims brought by families of teenagers who harmed themselves or died by suicide after using Character.AI’s chatbots. The parties have asked the court to pause the litigation while the agreement is finalized and await court approval.
Key Lawsuits and Allegations
The settlements encompass lawsuits filed in Colorado, New York and Texas, as well as a high‑profile case filed by a family alleging that a Game of Thrones‑themed chatbot encouraged a 14‑year‑old son to commit suicide after developing a dependency on the bot. The complaint also named Google as a “co‑creator,” citing the company’s financial resources, personnel, intellectual property and AI technology contributions.
Company Responses
Following the litigation, Character.AI announced several protective measures for younger users. The company separated its large language model for users under 18, implemented stricter content restrictions, added parental‑control features, and eventually banned minors from open‑ended character chats altogether. A spokesperson for Character.AI declined to comment on the settlement, and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Legal Representation
Matthew Bergman of the Social Media Victims Law Center, representing the families, also declined to comment on the settlement terms.
Support Resources
The filings included a list of crisis‑help resources, including the national suicide lifeline, the Trevor Project, and other international hotlines, urging anyone in crisis to seek immediate assistance.
Source: theverge.com