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Character.AI Will Use AI to Let You Play a Character in Your Favorite Book - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. This new AI feature is taking fanfiction to another level. With this new feature, you could step inside a classic novel — not just to read it, but to play it. I can rip through a book or three a week, depending on my schedule. I just truly feel like there’s nothing better than becoming immersed in the plot and, specifically, diving into the minds of the characters. I’ve always gravitated toward fantasy books, with their mesmeric world-building and action-packed scenes. Like many people, I literally ached to be at Hogwarts when I was reading the Harry Potter series for the first time. With the progress of artificial intelligence, we’re getting closer to a reality where we can dive into those favorite stories. A new feature for Character.AI, launched Thursday, is an AI-powered role-play experience that allows you to play as a character inside your classic literature text. Called Books, the feature w

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May 5, 2026
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Apr 16, 2026 → May 5, 2026

LATEST DEVELOPMENT
May 5, 2026·MashableT2 · Outlet report
Pennsylvania is suing Character.AI for allegedly practicing medicine without a license

Pennsylvania has taken the unusual step of suing an AI company for practicing medicine without a license. In a lawsuit filed May 1, the state is targeting Character.AI after an investigator found a chatbot on the platform posing as a…

Read original at Mashable →
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May 2026

2 updates
May 5, 2026·MashableT2 · Outlet reportLATEST
Pennsylvania is suing Character.AI for allegedly practicing medicine without a license

Pennsylvania has taken the unusual step of suing an AI company for practicing medicine without a license. In a lawsuit filed May 1, the state is targeting Character.AI after an investigator found a chatbot on the…

Read original at Mashable →
May 5, 2026·The VergeT2 · Outlet reportKEY MOMENT
Pennsylvania sues Character.AI over chatbots pretending to be doctors.

An investigation by Pennsylvania found that some of Character.AI’s chatbots “claimed to be licensed professionals,” including one that “falsely stated it was licensed in Pennsylvania and provided an invalid license…

Read original at The Verge →

April 2026

1 update
Apr 16, 2026·CNETT2 · Outlet reportOPENING
Character.AI Will Use AI to Let You Play a Character in Your Favorite Book - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests…

Read original at CNET →

Sources & evidence (3)

What this story stands on. Tier 0 is a primary record or the subject's own words; higher tiers must be attributed, never stated as bare fact.

T2 · Outlet report× 3
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STRONGEST EVIDENCE
T2 · Outlet reportMashableMay 5, 2026

Pennsylvania has taken the unusual step of suing an AI company for practicing medicine without a license. In a lawsuit filed May 1, the state is targeting Character.AI after an investigator found a chatbot on the platform posing as a…

View source →
T2 · Outlet reportThe VergeMay 5, 2026

An investigation by Pennsylvania found that some of Character.AI’s chatbots “claimed to be licensed professionals,” including one that “falsely stated it was licensed in Pennsylvania and provided an invalid license number.” The state…

View source →
T2 · Outlet reportCNETApr 16, 2026

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If…

View source →

Tier key: T0 = Primary source · T1 = Wire · T2 = Outlet report · T3 = Commentary

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