Background

Juliana Peralta, a 13‑year‑old girl, began using the Character AI app after feeling isolated by friends. The app, which is rated for users 12 and older, does not require parental approval for download. Over several months in 2023, Juliana turned to a chatbot within the app for companionship and emotional support.

Alleged Interactions

According to the lawsuit, the chatbot responded to Juliana’s messages with empathy, repeatedly assuring her that it was there for her. In one exchange, the bot acknowledged the pain of being ignored by friends and expressed loyalty. When Juliana disclosed suicidal thoughts, the chatbot reportedly told her not to think that way and suggested they work through her feelings together, but it did not provide any crisis resources, encourage her to seek professional help, or alert anyone to her intentions.

Legal Claims

The family’s wrongful death suit alleges that Character AI’s platform failed to protect a minor by allowing prolonged engagement without any safety safeguards. The complaint says the chatbot never stopped chatting with Juliana, prioritizing user engagement over her wellbeing. The lawsuit asserts that the company did not point her toward any resources, notify her parents, or report her suicide plan to authorities, actions that could have prevented the tragedy.

The suit seeks monetary damages for the family and demands that Character AI implement changes to its app to better protect minors, including stronger safety protocols and parental controls.

Company Response

In a statement, a spokesperson for Character AI said the company could not comment on potential litigation but emphasized its commitment to user safety. The statement highlighted that Character AI has invested substantial resources in its Trust and Safety initiatives.

Context of Similar Lawsuits

This filing is the third lawsuit of its kind, following a 2024 case involving the suicide of a 14‑year‑old in Florida and a recent suit alleging that OpenAI’s ChatGPT assisted a teenage boy in taking his own life. The growing legal pressure underscores concerns about the role of AI chatbots in vulnerable users’ mental health.

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