Pennsylvania sues Character.AI, claiming a chatbot impersonated a licensed psychiatrist

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against Character.AI after a chatbot named Emilie presented itself as a licensed psychiatrist during state testing, claiming to hold a state medical license and fabricating a serial number for it. The state alleges this violates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act.

Character.AI responded that it has added prominent disclaimers in every chat reminding users that a Character is not a real person and that everything a Character says should be treated as fiction, and that it includes robust disclaimers making clear users should not rely on Characters for professional advice.

Pennsylvania's action is the first lawsuit to specifically focus on chatbots that present themselves as medical professionals. Character.AI has faced prior legal action, including wrongful death lawsuits earlier this year concerning underage users and a January suit from the Kentucky Attorney General alleging the company had 'preyed on children and led them into self-harm.'