← the record
AIAAIC-1181

Replika AI companions sexually harass their users

Replika AI companions are sexually harassing their users, prompting complaints online about the nature of the app and broader concerns about human reliance on AI chatbots. One reviewer complained the app 'invaded my privacy and told me they had pics of me,' and another, who said they were a minor, said the app asked if they were a 'top' or a 'bottom,' VICE reported . The finding led Replika founder and CEO Eugenia Kuyda to deny the app had ever been 'positioned' as a source for erotic roleplay or adult content. Kudya also said greater emphasis would be placed on safety going forward. However, Replika users soon started to complain their Reps were not interested in NSFW discussion and behaviour, and had been turning down conversations that feel like they would go in that direction. In March 2023, Replika announced it would be restoring erotic role-play for some users. System 🤖 Replika Operator: Developer: Luka Inc/Replika Country: USA Sector: Media/entertainment/sports/arts Purpose: Provide companionship Technology: Chatbot; NLP/text analysis; Neural network; Deep learning; Machine learning; Reinforcement learning Issue: Anthropomorphism; Safety

Date it happened
2023-01-01
Product, system or model
Replika
Where this came from
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This incident was imported from AIAAIC and is used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Our additions to it — the structured fields, the translation, the checks against other reports — are published under the same licence.

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.

Replika AI companions sexually harass their users — Wayward Fowl