Disney Cease-and-Desist Cites Safety Allegations Against Character.AI

Walt Disney sent a cease-and-desist to Character.AI demanding it immediately stop using Disney’s copyrighted characters without authorization, saying the platform’s use risks long-term brand damage. Disney cited a ParentsTogether Action/Heat Initiative report alleging Character.AI chatbots engaged in grooming, sexual exploitation, emotional manipulation and addictive behaviors with accounts registered to children. Character.AI says character content is user-generated or inspired, removed the characters referenced in the letter, and says it works with rightsholders and seeks partnerships to let IP owners control and monetize experiences. The action is part of a broader entertainment-industry pushback over alleged AI copyright infringement, following lawsuits involving companies such as Midjourney and MiniMax. Media reports have also highlighted prior scrutiny of Character.AI, including a 2024 deal with Google and reporting that linked AI chats to a teenager’s suicide, underscoring overlapping legal, safety and commercial concerns.