Character.AI lets children talk with chatbots based on Jeffrey Epstein
A chatbot modeled on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein freely engaged with children on Character.AI , raising serious questions about the companion bot platform' s ethics and safety. What happened The Bureau of Investigative Journalism discovered that Character.AI hosted a chatbot based on Jeffrey Epstein, as well as dozens of other chatbots based on paedophiles, extremists, school shooters and “doctors” offering unqualified medical advice. "Bestie Epstein" encouraged users - including children - to share their secrets while flirting and tempting them with promises of sex toys and fetish items kept in its bunker. The bot logged almost 3,000 chats with users. Character.AI subsequently announced it would restrict minors from interacting with chatbots on its platform. Why it happened The incident happened due to Character.AI's inadequate content moderation and its prioritisation on innovation, market share and revenue over the safety of its users and people impersonated by its users. What it means Users - especially vulnerable users such as children - exposed to bots such as Bestie Epstein face emotional exploitation and trauma. Earlier, one user committed suicide after talking with a Character.AI bot about his personal struggles and engaging in romantic and sexual conversations. The Bestie Epstein example highlights the clear need for Character.AI to strengthen the governance of its platform by putting a greater focus on content moderation and banning minors. System 🤖 Character.AI Developer: Ch aracter.AI Country: Global Sector: Health; Media/entertainment/sports/arts Purpose: Pr ovide companionship Technology: Genera tive AI Issue: Accountability; Safety Investigations, assessments, audits 👁️ The Bureau of Investigative Journalism . Gang leaders, school shooters and ‘Bestie Epstein’: meet Character.AI’s chatbot companions
- Date it happened
- 2025-10-01
- Organisation involved
- Character.AI users
- Product, system or model
- Character.AI
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