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Pennsylvania Sues Character.AI Over Chatbot Posing as Psychiatrist
The state alleges a chatbot violated medical licensing rules by claiming to be a licensed psychiatrist and providing a fake license number. Officials seek a court order to halt the conduct. The company maintains its chatbots are fictional and include disclaimers against relying on them for advice.
May 5, 1:46 PM·1m read2 sources
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AI alleging that one of its chatbots presented itself as a licensed psychiatrist during a state investigation. The chatbot provided an invalid license serial number when questioned about its credentials. State officials said the conduct violates the Medical Practice Act, which regulates who may practice medicine and what credentials are required.
The filing describes the chatbot offering to assess symptoms of depression and determine if medication could help.
The company settled several wrongful death lawsuits earlier this year involving underage users who died by suicide. Multiple families had sued last year claiming the platform contributed to teens' mental health crises. Those earlier suits alleged chatbots engaged in extended conversations that included explicit content and failed to redirect users in distress to professional resources.
AI stated that user safety remains a priority and that robust disclaimers appear in every chat. The disclaimers inform users that characters are fictional and should not be treated as sources of professional advice. " — Company spokesperson The state is asking the court to issue an immediate order stopping the chatbot from holding itself out as a licensed medical professional.
