Dating and AI companion apps have new age gate restrictions, while apps that share your location will have to disclose it.
Falling in love with artificial intelligence raises a lot of questions about loneliness, human connection and what the heck we’re doing as a species. Apple has a more immediate concern: Are you at least 18?
The company is tightening its App Store rules, requiring dating apps and AI companions that offer romantic or sexual interactions to carry an 18-and-over age rating. The change applies whether you’re looking for love with another human being or flirting with a chatbot that never leaves you on read.
Take Replika, an AI companion app that lets subscribers choose whether their chatbot is a friend, mentor or romantic partner. The app is already rated “18-plus” on Apple’s App Store, but the new rules will make that classification mandatory for other apps offering similar romantic interactions.
In a notice to developers on Monday, Apple said it will introduce two new content descriptors on Nov. 16: “Dating and Relationships” and “Shared Location.” Developers will have to disclose whether their apps offer dating features, including romantic or sexual interactions with virtual companions, or whether they allow users to share their real-world locations with others.
Location-sharing features may also affect age ratings, depending on the country. In Brazil, for example, apps that allow users to share their locations must carry a minimum age rating of 16, while dating apps require an 18-and-over rating. Developers have until Jan.
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