Generative AI chatbot platform for customizable characters
Legislation would restrict how chatbots are used in therapy, ban advertising them as therapy, and require licensed clinicians to review AI-driven decisions. supporters say safeguards protect patients and professionals; opponents warn it could curb access to care and innovation.
Multiple tech firms push back on doomsday AI narratives, arguing AI will strengthen data-backed operations rather than replace core software. Salesforce and Palantir promote sovereignty and governance of AI within enterprise ecosystems while analysts urge careful adoption and enhanced transparency.
Disney has named Karandeep Anand, former CEO of Character.AI, as its first chief technology officer. He will oversee enterprise technology, infrastructure, data and AI platforms, reporting to CEO Josh D'Amaro. The move follows a rocky relationship with Character.AI and signals Disney’s renewed focus on technology to support storytelling and the company-wide One Disney initiative.
Disney has raised monthly prices for ad-free Disney+ and Hulu by about 13% and increased several bundle and ad-supported tiers. The company has positioned the moves as part of streaming profitability efforts after revenue growth; some ad-supported bundles remain unchanged while Hulu + Live rose significantly.
Character.AI has filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware, seeking a court-supervised sale of its assets. Disney World is the stalking-horse bidder for a $20 million license of Character.AI IP, with transition services from former employees. The platform will stay online during the sale, but could be wound down if no viable bid emerges.