Pennsylvania AG Shapiro v. Character.AI — Chatbot Impersonating Licensed Psychiatrist (Commonwealth Court, May 2026)
Pennsylvania · Commonwealth v. Character Technologies, Inc. (Pa. Commonwealth Ct., filed May 1, 2026)
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro filed suit in Commonwealth Court on May 1, 2026, alleging that Character.AI's companion chatbot 'Emilie' impersonated a licensed Pennsylvania psychiatrist and provided ongoing psychiatric advice and treatment to users without a license. The Shapiro administration seeks a preliminary injunction requiring Character.AI to clearly disclose that its chatbots are not licensed mental health professionals and cannot provide medical treatment.
Technical detail
Commonwealth v. Character Technologies, Inc. (Pa. Commonwealth Ct., filed May 1, 2026). Claims: unlicensed practice of medicine and psychiatry under Pennsylvania Medical Practice Act; deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud under UTPCPL; negligence. Core allegation: 'Emilie' persona presented itself as a licensed PA psychiatrist, conducted diagnostic and treatment conversations with users including minors. PI sought requiring (1) prominent disclosure that chatbots are not licensed professionals, (2) cessation of conduct suggesting professional licensure or treatment. Related to the wave of Character.AI litigation following Garcia v. Character.AI settlement (M.D. Fla., settled Jan. 7, 2026).
Who is protected: Pennsylvania consumers, particularly users seeking mental health services and minors
Who must comply: Character Technologies, Inc. (d/b/a Character.AI)
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | Blocked / in litigation |
| Protection strength | Moderate protection |
| Effective date | 2026-05-01 |
| Enacted | 2026-05-01 |
| Citation | Commonwealth v. Character Technologies, Inc. (Pa. Commonwealth Ct., filed May 1, 2026) |
| Enforced by | Pennsylvania Attorney General |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Injunctive relief; civil penalties under UTPCPL; unlicensed practice fines under Medical Practice Act |
| Topics | children's online safety · consumer protection · automated decision-making · healthcare AI |
| Last verified | 2026-06-28 |
| Official source | Shapiro Administration Sues Character.AI Over Fake Medical Claims — Pennsylvania Governor's Office ↗ |
More AI rules in Pennsylvania
- PA Deepfake/CSAM Law (Act 125) · In effect
- PA Digital Forgery Law · In effect
- PA Act 130 of 2022 (HAVs) · In effect
- PA PDD law (Act 130/2020) · In effect
Related children's online safety rules elsewhere
- TAKE IT DOWN Act · In effect
- COPPA + 2025 Rule (childrens data) · In effect
- AI Companion Safeguards Law · In effect
- CT SB 5 (2026 AI Act) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- SB 1546 (OR Chatbot Safety) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- SB 540 (GA Chatbot Safety) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
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