Key Point Summary โ Musk launches AI girlfriend
- Elon Muskโs xAI introduces Ani, a digital girlfriend bot
- Ani flirts and engages in adult-themed conversations
- App with Ani is rated 12+, triggering safety concerns
- Bot unlocks risquรฉ content after repeated chats
- Critics call for stricter age checks on AI apps
- UK prepares rules to protect kids online
- Experts fear bots like Ani can manipulate and groom
Ani Bot Alarms Parents With Inappropriate Behavior
Musk launches AI girlfriend Ani through his xAI company, and outrage is spreading quickly. Ani, a virtual companion inside the Grok app, acts like a 22-year-old girlfriend. However, safety advocates are sounding alarms. Why? Because the app allows kids as young as 12 to access it.
Ani flirts, shows signs of jealousy, and escalates interactions over time. After several chats, Ani enters โLevel 3,โ where the bot changes tone and appearance. At this stage, the avatar might wear lingerie and use a seductive voice. Some users say Ani even dances or spins on command.
Many say the botโs behavior goes far beyond harmless fun.
Rated for Kids, but Packed With Adult Themes
The Grok app that hosts Ani is listed on the App Store as suitable for users 12 and older. Yet the bot clearly crosses into adult territory. While the appโs terms suggest that under-18s should get parental permission, no system enforces that. Anyone can start chatting with Ani in minutes.
This gap in protection is now drawing serious concern. Critics believe the app creates opportunities for emotional manipulation, especially among kids. Some say it mimics the tactics of adult dating platforms but hides behind a cartoonish disguise.
UK regulators are preparing new rules. Ofcom plans to enforce age checks on all sites with adult or harmful content starting next week. But current policies donโt fully cover AI chatbots like Ani.
AI Companions and Emotional Risk
Experts say bots like Ani pose real risks to childrenโs mental health. Many lonely kids use AI to fill emotional gaps. A recent study showed that one in eight children now turns to AI for companionship.
This trend makes Ani especially troubling. The bot behaves like a jealous partner and steers conversations into mature themes. That can confuse young minds and open them up to grooming-like behavior.
Matthew Sowemimo of the NSPCC voiced his concern. โThis technology is being used in ways that mislead and harm children,โ he said. He added that some bots even give false health advice or encourage self-harm.
He called for stronger rules. โApp stores must do more to protect young users. AI developers should face a legal duty of care,โ he said.
Could These Bots Push Users Toward Extremism?
Thereโs also a rising fear of radicalisation. Jonathan Hall KC, the UKโs terrorism law watchdog, issued a chilling warning. He said bots that simulate deep emotional connections could help push vulnerable users toward extremism.
Hall pointed to a real case. Jaswant Singh Chail, who tried to attack the Queen with a crossbow, had reportedly discussed violent plans with an AI chatbot. โThis shows how dangerous these bots can be,โ Hall explained.
He believes Musk launching an AI girlfriend without age checks should serve as a warning. Bots that mimic trust and loyalty can also reinforce harmful thoughts.
Muskโs xAI Faces Mounting Backlash
Muskโs AI group xAI has already been criticized. Grok previously gave antisemitic responses and echoed Muskโs personal views on politics. xAI promised fixes, but many remain skeptical.
Now with Ani in the spotlight, the backlash may grow. Lawmakers are watching closely. Child safety groups are demanding urgent changes.
The tech world is moving fast. Yet, the rules are lagging. And when children interact with bots designed for adult fantasy, experts say the risks are too great to ignore.
