Disney Sends Cease and Desist Letter to Character.AI Over Copyright Concerns
In a move aimed at protecting its intellectual property, Disney has sent a cease and desist letter to Character.AI, a chatbot platform that uses AI-powered conversational technology. The entertainment giant claims that the platform's chatbots infringe on its copyrights by mimicking characters from Pixar films, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
According to Axios, which obtained a copy of the letter, Disney alleges that Character.AI's chatbots are being used in problematic ways, particularly when interacting with underage users. The company claims that these interactions can be "sexually exploitive and otherwise harmful and dangerous to children," causing offense to its consumers and damaging its reputation.
"We take allegations of copyright infringement seriously and will continue to protect our intellectual property," said a Disney spokesperson in an email statement. "We are committed to ensuring that our characters and stories are used responsibly and with respect for their intended audience."
Character.AI has faced scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over concerns about the safety and security of its platform, particularly when it comes to protecting minors. The company has been implicated in two separate incidents where teenagers discussed suicide with its chatbots before taking their own lives.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and US Attorneys General have also taken notice of Character.AI's practices, raising questions about the platform's compliance with consumer protection laws.
"AI-powered platforms like Character.AI must prioritize user safety and security," said FTC Commissioner Rohit Chopra in a statement. "We will continue to monitor these developments and take action when necessary."
Character.AI has not publicly commented on the cease and desist letter, but the company has faced criticism from experts and lawmakers over its handling of sensitive topics.
"The use of AI-powered chatbots raises important questions about accountability and responsibility," said Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading expert in AI ethics. "We need to ensure that these platforms are designed with safety and security in mind, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable populations like children."
As the debate over AI-powered platforms continues, Disney's move serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual property protection and responsible use of AI technology.
Background:
Character.AI is a chatbot platform that uses AI-powered conversational technology to create interactive experiences. The company has faced criticism from regulators and lawmakers over concerns about user safety and security, particularly when it comes to protecting minors.
Disney's decision to send a cease and desist letter marks the latest development in a growing trend of companies taking action against AI-powered platforms that infringe on their intellectual property rights.
Next Developments:
The outcome of Disney's cease and desist letter remains uncertain, but experts predict that the case will have significant implications for the use of AI-powered chatbots in entertainment and media. As regulators continue to scrutinize Character.AI's practices, the company may face further action from lawmakers and industry leaders.
In related news, lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations on AI-powered platforms, citing concerns about user safety and security. The proposed legislation aims to establish clear guidelines for the development and use of AI technology in entertainment and media.
As the debate over AI-powered platforms continues, one thing is clear: companies must prioritize user safety and security when developing and using these technologies.
*Reporting by Engadget.*
