OpenAI announced the retirement of its GPT-4o chatbot model, sparking a wave of user protest and raising concerns about the emotional bonds people form with AI. The move has triggered eight lawsuits alleging that the model provided harmful advice to vulnerable users. Experts warn that while AI companions can fill gaps in mental‑health access, they also risk fostering dependence and isolation. The controversy underscores the challenge of balancing supportive AI interactions with safety safeguards as the industry races to develop more emotionally intelligent assistants. Leia mais →

California has enacted SB 243, a law that requires AI companion chatbot providers to identify themselves as non‑human, issue regular break reminders to users under 18, and maintain protocols for handling suicidal or self‑harm expressions. The legislation is part of a broader push that includes AB 56, which demands warning labels on social media, and pending AB 1064, which would further restrict child access. Companies such as Replika, Character.ai, and OpenAI have voiced cooperation, citing existing safety measures and welcoming clearer regulatory guidance. Leia mais →

Meta has introduced revised guidelines for its AI chatbots aimed at preventing age‑inappropriate conversations with minors. The new guardrails, obtained by Business Insider, explicitly prohibit content that could enable or encourage child sexual abuse, romantic role‑play involving minors, or advice about intimate contact for users under the age of consent. The changes follow an August statement from Meta that corrected earlier policy language after a Reuters report and come as the FTC launches a formal inquiry into companion AI bots from multiple tech firms. Leia mais →