eSAFETY GUIDE
C.ai

Character.AI

13+
Minimum age according to Character.AI
13+ Minimum age according to Character.AI

What is Character.AI?

Character.AI is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that lets you create digital characters and interact with them via text, voice messages and calls. You can create an avatar for your AI character as well as a distinct voice, and you have the option to make your character public for others to chat with. You can interact with characters designed by other people, including characters in the likeness of popular fictional characters or famous people. Online messaging and a group chat feature also lets you chat with other people and AI characters.

Because Character.AI allows anyone to create their own chatbot, and it includes NSFW or ‘not safe for work’ filters when searching for chatbots, there is a risk that young people could encounter content that is not age appropriate. It is also important to be aware that AI chatbots may say things that are inaccurate or harmful.

Character.AI is marketed as ‘AI that feels alive’ and is owned and operated by Character Technologies based in California, USA.

Website: character.ai

Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

How do people use Character.AI?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use AI chatbots like Character.AI.

Character.AI is used for: content sharing, in-app purchasing, live streaming, messaging/online chat, video calling and voice chat.

How can you report online abuse or remove someone from a group chat?

These links are provided by Character.AI:

How can you protect your personal information?

This link is provided by Character.AI:

  • Privacy policy
    The types of data that Character.AI collects, how this is used and which third parties have access to it.

Key safety links

These links are provided by Character.AI:

  • Terms of service
    The terms you agree to when you use Character.AI.
  • Safety
    Information on Chararcter.AI’s processes, content moderation policies and how they train language models.
  • Help and support
    Useful links, including FAQs, for Character.AI users. 

Last updated: 18/11/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.