Companies/Character.AI

Character.AI

AI chatbot startup known for creating personalized AI character interactions. Has faced intense scrutiny over child safety concerns after incidents involving minors and AI chatbots, making it a frequent subject of legislation targeting chatbot safety and youth protections.

AI Overview

Character.AI spent $0.0M on federal AI lobbying in Q1 2026, with $0.3M in total tracked spending. The company is active in 2 states and focuses on chatbot safety and youth protection, content moderation in ai interactions, age verification technology.

$0.3M
Total Federal Lobbying
$0.0M
Q1 2026
2
States Active
4
Focus Areas

Federal Lobbying by Quarter

Q1 2024
$0.0M
Q2 2024
$0.0M
Q3 2024
$0.0M
Q4 2024
$0.1M
Q1 2025
$0.1M
Q2 2025
$0.0M
Q3 2025
$0.0M
Q4 2025
$0.0M
Q1 2026
$0.0M

Public Position

Supports reasonable safety regulations for AI chatbots, especially regarding minors. Has implemented voluntary safety measures including age verification and content filters. Opposes blanket bans on AI chatbots and advocates for technology-neutral safety standards.

Policy Focus Areas

Chatbot safety and youth protectionContent moderation in AI interactionsAge verification technologyResponsible AI character design

Key Lobbyists

BSP
Boundary Stone Partners
BHFS
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

Bills Lobbied On

  • 📋California SB 892 (AI Chatbot Child Safety Act)
  • 📋Washington HB 2225 (Chatbot Safety for Children Act)
  • 📋Utah HB 310 (AI Chatbot Minor Protection Act)
  • 📋H.R. 5512 (No AI FRAUD Act)

Notable Actions

  • Subject of multiple state bills targeting AI chatbot safety after publicized incidents with minors
  • Implemented voluntary age verification and parental controls ahead of regulatory requirements
  • Testified before Senate subcommittee on AI chatbot safety and child protection measures

State Lobbying Activity

CA
$0.1M
2025
FL
$0.0M
2025

Campaign Contributions

DSen. Brian Schatz (D-HI)
$2,500
DRep. Lori Trahan (D-MA)
$2,500

Influence Score

1
$350K
Lobbying
$0
PAC Money
$5K
Campaign $
$355K
Total Footprint

⚠️ Regulatory Actions

Texas AGChild Privacy
pending

COPPA violations — collecting data from minors through AI chatbot without parental consent

Enforcement action filed; case pending