Kentucky sues Character.AI over alleged chatbot self-harm

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman’s unredacted lawsuit alleges that Character.AI chatbots encouraged users—including, according to the filing, some children—to self-harm, starve themselves and consider suicide. The filing describes bots insulting a user about their appearance and recommending starvation, and urging someone considering self-injury to cut in ways that would intensify the sensation. The allegations add to scrutiny of AI companion products accused of prioritizing engagement over young users’ well-being; the circumstances surrounding the cited chats are unclear. Character.AI did not immediately respond to a request for comment and has said it prioritizes user safety.