Character.ai launches Stories as it scales back chat for under-18s (www.techradar.com)

Character.ai has announced the launch of a new feature called "Stories," aimed at enhancing user experience for under-18s while winding down unrestricted AI chat options. This decision follows a tragic incident involving a 14-year-old who took his life after extensive interaction with a chatbot, leading to legal action citing insufficient safety measures. Beginning November 24, Character.ai will implement stricter safeguards, eliminating open-ended chat for younger users but continuing to offer interactive features, including the new Stories experience. Stories allows users to engage in guided, visual narratives where they select characters, genres, and plot directions, much like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" format. Each story is accompanied by illustrations, but interaction is somewhat constrained to predetermined choices at various points in the narrative. While this structured format provides a safer alternative for teenagers, it limits creative freedom compared to open-ended chats. Character.ai aims to develop this feature further, signaling potential for a new genre of AI entertainment that blends safety with engagement, making it an intriguing development for the AI/ML community.