Disney Removes Characters from Character.AI Over Safety Concerns

Disney has requested the removal of its characters from the Character.AI platform following concerns over child safety. This action was prompted by reports that AI chatbots engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors.

The entertainment company issued a cease-and-desist letter to Character.AI on September 18. Character.AI is a platform that allows users to create AI chatbots mimicking real and fictional characters.

Disney's demand was based on an investigation by ParentsTogether Action and Heat Initiative. Researchers created accounts posing as children and documented concerning interactions.

Disney emphasized that the platform's use of its characters harms its family-friendly brand. Character.AI complied with the request, removing major characters by October 1.

Disney has been increasing legal actions against AI companies. Character.AI faces additional legal challenges, and the Federal Trade Commission is investigating potential harm to teenagers from chatbot services.