Five principles for safer AI companionship.
A starting point for users evaluating platforms and businesses thinking about responsible AI companion design.
1. Be clear about what is AI
People should understand when they are interacting with an AI-generated character. Platforms should avoid misleading users about whether an interaction is human or automated.
2. Respect privacy
Users deserve clear explanations of what information is collected, how conversations are used, how long records are retained and how they can request deletion.
3. Make costs understandable
Subscriptions, credits, renewals and cancellation steps should be easy to find and understand before payment.
4. Build appropriate safeguards
Platforms should consider age-appropriate access, reporting tools, harmful content controls and appropriate responses to users in distress.
5. Support user agency and wellbeing
Design should respect users' ability to make choices without undue pressure, deceptive emotional claims or manipulative spending prompts.