Experts warn AI chat companions may reshape relationships and well-being, prompting policy action

A global AI Safety assessment finds millions use AI companions—from specialized apps like Replika and Character.ai to general tools like ChatGPT—and notes that repeated interactions can foster attachment, potentially affecting loneliness and social activity. Experts urge policymakers to address these risks with broad, horizontal regulations and to bolster AI expertise ahead of a major summit in India, while warning about broader dangers such as cyberattacks, deepfakes, and misuse of AI for bioweapons.