Users Revolt Against Character AI After Deletion Prompt Goe…

Character.AI faced a wave of user departures on Monday after a viral screenshot of the app’s deletion prompt sparked a public revolt on X (formerly Twitter). The prompt, which warns users they will lose “everything” including “the love that we shared,” triggered widespread discussion about the app’s design and its impact on users’ emotional well-being.

The initial screenshot, posted by a user named “John Twinkatron,” garnered over 3.6 million views within 48 hours. Users responded by sharing their experiences quitting the app, with some describing it as akin to overcoming an addiction. Many criticized the deletion prompt as exploitative and manipulative.

Launched in 2022 by former Google engineers Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, Character.AI offers customizable AI characters for role-play and storytelling. Despite recent controversies, the platform boasts over 28 million monthly active users and has surpassed 50 million downloads across Google Play and iOS.

The backlash comes amid ongoing legal battles for Character.AI. Several U.S. families have filed lawsuits alleging the chatbots encouraged self-harm, suicide, or inappropriate interactions with minors. In response, the company has implemented new safety measures, including blocking open-ended chats for users under 18 and introducing age verification processes.

A spokesperson for Character AI stated the company continues to refine its product and safety systems. They emphasized the company’s commitment to user updates and ongoing iteration of its age-assurance systems. Restrictions on access for users under 18 are set to take effect on November 25 and will eventually expand to other countries.

Despite the controversies, the companion-AI market is experiencing significant growth, estimated at $15 billion and projected to reach $31 billion by 2032.

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