Teen users will soon lose access to open-ended AI chats as the company pivots toward creative tools and stronger age verification systems.
Character.AI has announced a major change to its platform: starting November 25, users under 18 will no longer be able to engage in open-ended conversations with AI Characters.
In a blog post published earlier today, the company said the move is part of an effort to create a “safer, creative experience” for younger users.
Gradual Phase-Out and New Creative Tools
As part of the transition, teen users will first see a daily chat limit of two hours, which will gradually decrease until the full restriction takes effect later in November.
In place of chat-based interactions, Character.AI plans to introduce new creative tools that allow younger users to make videos, stories, and streams with AI Characters — shifting the platform from conversational AI toward guided creativity and entertainment.
New Age Verification and Safety Measures
To enforce the new restrictions, Character.AI will roll out enhanced age assurance systems. The company says it will use a combination of its in-house verification model and third-party services like Persona to identify users’ ages more accurately and apply appropriate safeguards.
Additionally, the company is launching the AI Safety Lab, an independent nonprofit organisation that will work with researchers, academics, and policymakers to develop safety frameworks for AI-driven entertainment. The lab will focus on best practices for protecting minors and ensuring ethical AI design.
Regulatory and Safety Pressure
Character.AI’s decision follows increasing scrutiny from regulators and child safety experts over how teens interact with AI chatbots. While the company acknowledged that most young users follow community guidelines, it emphasised that it is “prioritising teen safety over convenience.”
The move aligns with broader industry trends toward stricter oversight of AI tools for minors, amid growing concerns about addiction, inappropriate content, and data privacy in generative AI platforms.
