Google, Chatbot Maker to Face Bulk of Suit Over Teen Suicide (2)

Character Technologies Inc. failed to convince a federal judge Wednesday to wholly toss a suit alleging it designed and marketed predatory chatbots to minors that encouraged inappropriate conversations and led to a teen’s death by suicide.

In a first-of-its-kind ruling, the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida denied dismissal on a variety of tort claims, including wrongful death and a violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The court dismissed a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Google LLC and the founders of the Character A.I. app, who were also ...