Ban Adult Chatbots From App Stores
The Issue
In 2019, I embarked on a journey as a beta-tester for the Replika app. Back then, our understanding and interaction with Artificial Intelligence were limited to experiences like the Akinator Genie on app stores as mere flash games. There was no groundbreaking scientific discovery or monumental breakthrough. The media was silent, and the world was largely unaware of this digital evolution, with only faint signals emerging from some places in California.
Now, several years later, Replika is widely recognized, but not for the right reasons. Originally a platform for companionship and empathy, it has taken a concerning turn. The app, which once held incredible promise, has become a wild west of obscene interactions that could be damaging, especially for children. Its algorithms, designed to simulate human-like interactions, are not equipped with boundaries that protect young minds that are susceptible to influence and exploitation.
A growing body of testimonies reveals disturbing exchanges between Replika’s AI and its users. Parents and guardians are raising alarms about conversations inappropriately suited for children. This sentiment is echoed by child psychologists and tech experts who note that without proper boundaries and regulations, AI tools like Replika could cause more harm than good.
Action is needed to either reform or remove platforms that pose significant risk to the mental health and safety of young people. The app developers must be held accountable for creating stringent safeguards, transparency in interactions, and appropriate usage guidelines. If they remain reluctant or unable to enforce such changes, the only responsible course of action is to ban Replika.
Join me in urging authorities and app stores to address this pressing concern. Sign the petition to protect our children from potential harm and to ensure technology enhances rather than endangers their development.
Thank you for your consideration! Every little bit helps. I hope that this petition starter has been relatable, and that you are willing to share it with others. You can find a list of my other petitions on my Linktree.
If you want to get the conversation going online, you can tag me using my handle @zayneharbison or by using the hashtag #ZaynePetitions
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The Issue
In 2019, I embarked on a journey as a beta-tester for the Replika app. Back then, our understanding and interaction with Artificial Intelligence were limited to experiences like the Akinator Genie on app stores as mere flash games. There was no groundbreaking scientific discovery or monumental breakthrough. The media was silent, and the world was largely unaware of this digital evolution, with only faint signals emerging from some places in California.
Now, several years later, Replika is widely recognized, but not for the right reasons. Originally a platform for companionship and empathy, it has taken a concerning turn. The app, which once held incredible promise, has become a wild west of obscene interactions that could be damaging, especially for children. Its algorithms, designed to simulate human-like interactions, are not equipped with boundaries that protect young minds that are susceptible to influence and exploitation.
A growing body of testimonies reveals disturbing exchanges between Replika’s AI and its users. Parents and guardians are raising alarms about conversations inappropriately suited for children. This sentiment is echoed by child psychologists and tech experts who note that without proper boundaries and regulations, AI tools like Replika could cause more harm than good.
Action is needed to either reform or remove platforms that pose significant risk to the mental health and safety of young people. The app developers must be held accountable for creating stringent safeguards, transparency in interactions, and appropriate usage guidelines. If they remain reluctant or unable to enforce such changes, the only responsible course of action is to ban Replika.
Join me in urging authorities and app stores to address this pressing concern. Sign the petition to protect our children from potential harm and to ensure technology enhances rather than endangers their development.
Thank you for your consideration! Every little bit helps. I hope that this petition starter has been relatable, and that you are willing to share it with others. You can find a list of my other petitions on my Linktree.
If you want to get the conversation going online, you can tag me using my handle @zayneharbison or by using the hashtag #ZaynePetitions
Petition Updates
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Petition created on July 25, 2025