Topic · Concept
AI companions
AI companions are chatbot apps built around ongoing conversations with a persona, such as a friend, partner or user-created character, rather than around getting tasks done. Character.AI, Replika, Nomi and Talkie are examples. This page tracks the companies, their age rules and how users' data is handled, including what happens when a companion app is sold or shuts down.
Fact file
FTC companion-chatbot study6(b) orders to seven companies, announced September 11, 2025
Character.AI under-18 ruleOpen-ended chat for under-18 users to end no later than November 25, 2025 (announced October 29, 2025)
Character.AI bankruptcyChapter 11, US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, filed October 12, 2026; case 26-11603 (BLS)
Character.AI data exportTakes 3–4 weeks; download link valid 7 days
Replika minimum age18 (terms updated March 30, 2026)
Nomi minimum age18 (terms effective January 16, 2026)
Talkie minimum age14, or 15 or 16 in some countries (terms updated April 23, 2025)
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Latest on AI companions
Oct 16Products · ExplainerCharacter.AI files for bankruptcy: what happens to the app, your chats and the Disney dealOct 16Products · ExplainerCharacter.AI alternatives after the bankruptcy: what to switch to, age rules, and how to export your chats first
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About this hub
AI companions are chatbot apps built around ongoing conversations with a persona, such as a friend, partner or…