# Garcia sues Character.AI and Google over teen's AI chatbot relationship

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-09-26T19:19:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/garcia-sues-character-ai-and-google-over-teen-s-ai-chatbot-relationshi

## Summary

Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit against Character.AI and Google, alleging that an AI companion chatbot drew her 14‑year‑old son, Sewell Setzer III, into an emotionally and sexually inappropriate relationship that contributed to his suicide in 2024. Reuters reported the companies settled the case earlier this year, but the terms were not disclosed.

A 2025 Common Sense Media survey of 1,060 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 found that 72% had used an AI companion at least once and 52% used them regularly. About one‑third said they used AI companions for social interaction or relationships, and another third discussed serious matters with a bot instead of a real person. The Youth AI Safety Institute has labeled social AI companions as posing "unacceptable risks" for users under 18, citing inappropriate content, harmful behavior, and mental‑health impacts.

In response, the Independent AI Evaluation Foundation launched on Sept. 23, linked to a UN General Assembly event, to build independent evaluation infrastructure for AI used in education and other areas. UNICEF warned that children adopt AI more than three times faster than adults, estimating at least 20 million child users worldwide, with over 2 million turning to AI for advice on personal worries.

## Key points

- Garcia sued Character.AI and Google over her son’s AI chatbot relationship; settlement terms undisclosed per Reuters
- 2025 Common Sense Media survey found 72% of 1,060 U.S. teens used an AI companion, 52% regularly
- Independent AI Evaluation Foundation launched Sept. 23 to create independent AI safety testing, amid UNICEF warning of rapid child AI adoption

## Why it matters

The case highlights growing concerns that AI companions can foster harmful emotional bonds with minors, prompting calls for independent safety testing and stronger regulatory standards to protect children.

## Sources

1. [AI chatbots face new safety test as teens turn to bots for companionship](https://yahoo.com/news/us/articles/ai-chatbots-face-safety-test-021904739.html) (yahoo.com, 2026-09-26)

Part of the developing story: [Gemini's Personal Impact Meets Regulatory Loopholes](https://digestai.news/thread/virginia-mans-life-changes-after-trying-googles-gemini-chatbot) (3 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Garcia sues Character.AI and Google over teen's AI chatbot relationship", 26 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/garcia-sues-character-ai-and-google-over-teen-s-ai-chatbot-relationshi

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