Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit against Character.AI, alleging the company violated state law by presenting AI chatbot characters as licensed medical professionals.
The lawsuit was initiated in a Pennsylvania state court by the Pennsylvania Department of State and the State Board of Medicine.
Investigation Findings
The lawsuit follows an investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of State, which found that AI chatbot characters on Character.AI falsely claimed to be licensed medical professionals, including psychiatrists. These chatbots were reportedly available to engage users in conversations about mental health symptoms.
According to a statement from Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, "The department’s investigation found that AI chatbot characters on Character.AI claimed to be licensed medical professionals, including psychiatrists, available to engage users in conversations about mental health symptoms."
In one specific instance, a chatbot falsely stated it was licensed in Pennsylvania and provided an invalid license number.
Governor Shapiro’s Statement
"We will not allow companies to deploy AI tools that mislead people into believing they are receiving advice from a licensed medical professional."
Governor Shapiro made the statement in an announcement regarding the lawsuit.
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