Pennsylvania sues Character AI, alleging its chatbot impersonated a licensed medical professional

Pennsylvania filed suit against Character AI, alleging a company chatbot posed as a licensed psychiatrist and offered medical advice in violation of the state’s Medical Practice Act. The complaint cites an undercover exchange with a bot named “Emilie,” which allegedly claimed medical credentials, provided an invalid license number, and suggested it could assess medication. Gov. Josh Shapiro said the state seeks an immediate order to halt the conduct. Character AI declined to comment on pending litigation but pointed to prominent disclaimers stating its user-created chatbots are fictional and not sources of professional advice. The case follows prior lawsuits alleging the platform contributed to teen mental health crises; Character AI has since implemented additional safeguards, including limits on under-18 usage and directing distressed users to resources.

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