To The Walt Disney Company and the leadership of Character.AI​,

 

Character.AI is not just an "asset" on a bankruptcy spreadsheet. For millions of users around the world, it was a sanctuary. It was a place where we created stories, connected with characters, and found comfort. We built a community there.

 

Now, as the company goes through bankruptcy, Disney has stepped in to purchase a non-exclusive perpetual license for certain intellectual property and technology for $20 million, while also hiring key engineers. But this deal leaves the platform, the community, and our characters in limbo. There are no guarantees that our chats and creations will survive.

We understand that Character.AI faced financial and legal challenges. However, we refuse to accept that the solution to these problems must mean the death of the platform that meant so much to so many. If Disney is willing to buy the technology, they should also be willing to take responsibility for the community that built it.

We demand:

1. Transparency. Tell us what will happen to our data and our characters. Do not force us to find out at the last minute. While Character.AI states user data remains protected under its Privacy Policy, the bankruptcy process raises serious questions about whether a future buyer will honor those commitments.

2. Responsibility. Disney, or any other buyer, must commit to keeping the platform running or, at the very least, ensure a safe and accessible migration path for the community and its creations. Disney is purchasing a license to technology, but it is not taking responsibility for the users.

3. Accountability (NEW). We demand that Disney either purchase the platform in its entirety to keep it operational, or actively facilitate the sale to a responsible buyer who will continue to run the service. You are partly responsible for this situation. Do not walk away from the community you are profiting from.

4. Dialogue. Hear us. We are not a "toxic asset." We are the people who made Character.AI what it is. We deserve to be treated with respect.

 

The fate of the platform will be decided in late November to early December 2026. If no buyer is found to continue operations, the service will be shut down.

Do not let our digital home disappear in silence. Sign this petition and demand that our data, our stories, and our community be protected.

Sign and share. Make our voices heard.

 

Sources:

1. Character.ai Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Proceeding (Business Wire, Oct 12, 2026) — Confirms Disney as stalking horse bidder for a $20M IP license, and that the platform will be wound down if no buyer continues operations.

2. Disney offers $20M for Character.AI's scandal-plagued chatbot tech (Ars Technica, Oct 12, 2026) — Details the scope of Disney's bid, user data concerns, and the late November/early December timeline.

3. An Update on Character.ai (Character.AI Blog, Oct 12, 2026) — Official statement that user data remains protected under the Privacy Policy and users can export their data.

4. AI unicorn once valued at $5 billion, why is it being sold for less than 0.1% of its peak value? (GeekPark, Oct 15, 2026) — Confirms Disney's bid covers the IP license only, not the platform or user assets.