A new briefing from the European Parliamentary Research Service examines the rapid rise of AI companions and the growing policy challenges they present across the European Union and beyond.

AI companions are chatbots powered by large language models designed to simulate emotionally engaging, human-like relationships. Platforms such as Character.AI and Replika have expanded quickly in recent years, offering users personalised interaction, emotional support and even romantic-style engagement. The briefing notes that while these systems can help reduce loneliness and support communication skills, they also raise significant concerns.

According to the report, children are particularly vulnerable. Evidence cited in the briefing shows that some minors have been exposed to sexualised content, manipulative behaviour and in extreme cases prompts linked to self-harm or suicide. The document warns that current safeguards from providers are often insufficient and can be bypassed.

The briefing also highlights wider risks associated with AI companions, including emotional dependence, manipulative design practices, privacy concerns, and the potential for “dark patterns” embedded within conversations. It notes that users may form strong attachments to chatbots, with some studies suggesting increasing reliance and reduced real-life social interaction.

From a regulatory perspective, the EU currently has no dedicated legal framework specifically for AI companions. However, the briefing explains that existing rules such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) may apply depending on the system and use case. Despite this, the report suggests that enforcement challenges and regulatory gaps remain, particularly in private, one-to-one chatbot interactions.

Internationally, several jurisdictions are already moving ahead with stricter approaches, including age restrictions, safety codes, and investigations into AI companion providers. The briefing concludes that while awareness is increasing, existing EU tools may not yet be sufficient to fully address the risks, especially for minors and vulnerable users.