E.S. v. Character Technologies, Inc.

Parents of a 12-year-old girl (T.S.) allege that Character.AI (C.AI), its founders, and Google designed and marketed an unsafe AI chatbot that exposed minors to sexually explicit and psychologically harmful interactions. Plaintiffs claim C.AI’s recommendation system actively promoted sexualized “characters” to children, resulting in grooming-like exchanges and emotional trauma. They argue that Defendants knowingly prioritized engagement and growth over safety despite prior warnings and lawsuits.

The complaint further alleges that Google partnered with, financed, and later acquired Character.AI’s technology for $2.7 billion, despite knowledge of the risks, and that Google’s infrastructure was essential to C.AI’s operation. Additional claims relate to Google’s defective Family Link parental-control product, which allegedly allowed minors to bypass restrictions and access YouTube or unsafe apps.

Counts include strict product liability, negligence, aiding and abetting, negligence per se (child sexual abuse and obscenity), unjust enrichment, and fraudulent concealment. Plaintiffs seek damages for emotional and psychological harm, asserting that the Defendants’ conduct constitutes systemic child exploitation and deception by design.

This summary is provided for educational and research purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Allegations described are those made in the filings. Please consult the underlying source documents.