Alphabet’s Google and artificial-intelligence startup Character.AI have agreed to settle a lawsuit from a Florida woman who alleged a Character chatbot led to the suicide of her 14-year-old son, according to a Wednesday court filing.
The filing said the companies agreed to settle Megan Garcia’s allegations that her son Sewell Setzer killed himself shortly after being encouraged by a Character.AI chatbot imitating “Game of Thrones” character Daenerys Targaryen.
Terms of the settlement were not immediately available.
The lawsuit was one of the first in the US against an AI company for allegedly failing to protect children from psychological harms.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling.
If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
