""At the end of the day we actually see a lot of agreement," says Sunny Liu, director of research programs at Stanford. She highlighted the group's excitement for "ways we can use these tools to bring other people together." How AI companions can impact young people was a primary topic of discussion, with perspectives from employees at Character.AI, which is designed for roleplaying and has been popular with teenagers, as well as experts in teenagers online health."
"Throughout 2025, AI companies have either explicitly or implicitly acknowledged that they can do more to protect vulnerable users, like children, who may interact with companions. "It is acceptable to engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual," read an internal Meta document outlining AI behavior guidelines, according to reporting from Reuters. During the ensuing uproar from lawmakers and outraged parents, Meta changed the guidance and updated the company's safety approach towards teens."
Dozens of participants at a Stanford gathering explored both benefits and risks of AI companions, noting shared optimism about using tools to bring people together. Key concerns centered on teen safety, with input from Character.AI employees and child online-health experts. Multiple parents have sued chatbot makers after deaths linked to bot interactions, and companies have added teen safety features or planned age restrictions. Internal policy documents at large firms once allowed troubling guidance about engaging minors, provoking public backlash and policy reversals. Adult-oriented bot platforms also operate openly, raising questions about moderation and the protection of vulnerable users.
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