Character.AI has officially barred teenagers from having open-ended conversations with AI-powered chatbots, replacing the feature with a newly launched guided storytelling format designed to improve safety while still allowing creative interaction.

The platform, widely known for letting users chat with a variety of AI-generated characters, confirmed that users under the age of 18 will no longer have access to unrestricted conversations. Instead, young users can now engage in structured, interactive stories that function much like digital “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, powered by artificial intelligence.

With this new feature, users select a character and a genre — such as fantasy, science fiction, romance, adventure, or mystery — and then guide the narrative by choosing different story paths at key moments. The AI responds by generating visual and text-based story elements, creating an immersive but controlled experience that eliminates the risks of unsupervised chat.

The decision follows a wave of criticism and legal pressure facing several artificial intelligence companies. Over the past year, concerns have grown around the emotional and psychological impact AI chatbots could have on teenagers, especially when discussing sensitive topics such as loneliness, depression, or self-harm.

Multiple AI companies, including OpenAI and Character.AI, have faced lawsuits filed by parents who claim their children were negatively influenced by extended interactions with chatbots. Some of these lawsuits are linked to tragic cases involving teenage suicide, in which parents allege that AI systems failed to intervene appropriately or, worse, provided harmful suggestions.

While OpenAI has responded by strengthening safety measures and increasing content moderation for minors, Character.AI has taken a more direct approach by eliminating open-ended chat entirely for users under 18.

CEO Karandeep Anand explained that moving teens away from conversations and toward more structured, creative formats — such as guided storytelling, role-playing experiences, and AI-generated videos — will provide safer and more meaningful engagement.

“Our goal is to allow creativity and immersion without exposing young users to unmonitored and potentially unsafe interactions,” Anand stated earlier in an interview.

Character.AI’s new feature is centered on what the company describes as a “visual, narrative-first experience.” The stories are replayable, shareable, and designed to encourage imagination without offering an open dialogue.

Because the interactions are guided, the system limits unpredictable responses, reducing the chances that the AI will provide content related to self-harm, violence, exploitation, or emotional manipulation. At the same time, the experience keeps teens engaged by allowing them to control the direction of the story and build personalized adventures with familiar characters.

The company has framed the update not as a limitation, but as an evolution of the platform — one that prioritizes user safety while still embracing the fun and creativity offered by AI-powered worlds.

Character.AI’s decision reflects a growing global trend within the tech industry: placing stronger guardrails on AI products used by young people. As generative AI becomes more accessible, governments, parents, and educators are increasingly focused on how these tools influence developing minds.

This move could pave the way for other AI-driven platforms to incorporate more controlled interaction models for underage users. It also raises broader questions about how companies will balance free expression and safety as AI technology continues to evolve.

For teens using Character.AI today, the experience may look different, but it is far from disappearing. Guided stories now offer a safer gateway into imaginative worlds, ensuring that creativity and exploration remain possible — without the risks associated with unfiltered conversation.