AI Chatbot Startup, Google to Settle Lawsuits Over Teen Suicides

An artificial-intelligence (AI) startup and Google have agreed to settle several lawsuits with families of teenagers who killed or harmed themselves after interacting with the startup’s chatbot, potentially resolving some of the most high-profile cases involving AI and mental health. The families had sued the maker of the popular chatbot Character.AI and Google in states including Florida, Colorado, Texas, and New York for hurting their children and negligence. The companies and families have agreed to settle and will now work on completing the terms. The agreements would be some of the first in lawsuits accusing AI companies of damaging users and could help relieve pressure on tech companies that have been accused of releasing products that aren’t safe for children. ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Facebook owner Meta Platforms are facing similar lawsuits. The lawsuits, which detail how teens and others became attached to chatbot companions that may have contributed to their deaths, have increased pressure on Congress and the White House to do more to protect children online.