Character.AI on Wednesday announced that it will soon shut off the ability for minors to have free-ranging chats, including romantic and therapeutic conversations, with the startup's artificial intelligence chatbots.

The Silicon Valley startup, which allows users to create and interact with character-based chatbots, announced the move as part of an effort to make its app safer and more age-appropriate for those under 18.

Last year, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III, committed suicide after forming sexual relationships with chatbots on Character.AI's app. Many AI developers, including OpenAI and Facebook-parent Meta , have come under scrutiny after users have committed suicide or died after forming relationships with chatbots.

As part of its safety initiatives, Character.AI

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