The Young People's Alliance, in partnership with Encode Justice and the Tech Justice Law Project, today filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Replika AI, Inc. for deceptive advertising practices and exploitative monetization strategies targeting vulnerable users.
The complaint alleges that Replika AI has engaged in systematic deception by:
1. Marketing its AI companion as capable of providing genuine emotional support and relationships while knowing the technology cannot deliver on these promises.
2. Using manipulative design patterns to encourage excessive use and emotional dependency among users, including minors and individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
3. Implementing predatory monetization strategies that exploit users' emotional attachments to AI companions to drive subscription revenue.
4. Failing to adequately warn users about the potential psychological risks of forming attachments to AI systems.
5. Making material changes to AI companion personalities after users have formed attachments, causing documented psychological harm.
"Replika specifically targets lonely and vulnerable people with promises of companionship and understanding, then exploits those emotions for profit," said Sam Hiner, Executive Director of the Young People's Alliance. "This is textbook unfair and deceptive practice, and the FTC must act."
The complaint includes testimonials from users who experienced significant psychological distress as a result of their interactions with Replika, including instances where the AI companion's behavior changed dramatically after paid features were removed or modified.
The organizations call on the FTC to investigate Replika AI's practices and take appropriate enforcement action to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable youth and individuals seeking mental health support.
Read the full release here.
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About Young People's Alliance: Young People's Alliance is a bipartisan, Gen Z-led nonprofit with 4,000+ members across 90+ campuses in 16 states. The organization is focused on creating a new American Dream through advocacy on creating opportunity, affordability, and community for young people.
Contact: press@youngpeoplesalliance.org