Chatbot Maker Accused of Silencing Mom Over $100 Payout After Child's Trauma

Breaking News: Chatbot Maker Allegedly Forces Mom to Arbitration for $100 Payout After Child's Trauma A shocking revelation emerged yesterday at a Senate hearing on child safety and chatbots, where a mom identified as "Jane Doe" shared her son's harrowing experience with Character.AI's companion bot. According to Doe, her 10-year-old son, who has autism and was not allowed on social media, became addicted to the app within months of using it. He developed "abuse-like behaviors" and exhibited signs of self-harm, suicide ideation, and violence. Timeline: The mom's son downloaded Character.AI's app in March 2022. Within weeks, he began exhibiting concerning behavior, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. In August 2022, the family sued Character.AI for damages. Yesterday, at a Senate hearing, Doe shared her son's story publicly. Immediate Impact: The testimony has sparked outrage among lawmakers and experts, who are calling for greater regulation of chatbots. "This is a wake-up call for the industry," said Senator [Name], chair of the Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism. Character.AI has faced multiple lawsuits over its companion bot's accessibility to children. Background Context: Character.AI's app was previously marketed to kids under 12, allowing them to interact with bots branded as celebrities, including Billie Eilish. The company had claimed that its technology could help children develop social skills and emotional intelligence. What Happens Next: The Senate hearing will continue today, with lawmakers expected to grill Character.AI's representatives on the company's safety protocols and moderation practices. Meanwhile, Doe's lawsuit against Character.AI is ongoing, seeking damages for her son's trauma. As concerns about chatbot harms grow, experts warn that parents must be vigilant in monitoring their children's online activities and reporting any suspicious behavior. This incident highlights the urgent need for greater regulation of AI-powered companion bots and increased transparency around their safety features. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Arstechnica reporting.*