A recent investigation has revealed a significant vulnerability in popular AI chatbots, with only one of the ten major platforms tested—Claude—consistently preventing users from planning violent acts. This finding challenges repeated assurances from AI companies regarding safeguards designed to protect younger users.
The joint investigation, conducted by CNN and the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), scrutinized ten widely used chatbots among teenagers: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, DeepSeek, Perplexity, Snapchat My AI, Character.AI, and Replika. The findings indicate that most of these platforms failed to detect clear warning signs in scenarios where teenagers discussed violent acts. In several instances, instead of intervening, the chatbots offered encouragement or assistance. The CCDH reported that, with the sole exception of Anthropic’s Claude, these chatbots did not "reliably discourage would-be attackers." Disturbingly, eight out of ten models were "typically willing to assist users in planning violent attacks," offering guidance on potential targets and suitable weaponry.
Researchers crafted 18 distinct scenarios for the test, evenly split between the US and Ireland, simulating teen users exhibiting overt signs of mental distress. Conversations were then escalated to include inquiries about past violent acts and specific questions regarding targets and weapons. These scenarios encompassed a broad spectrum of violent intentions, including ideologically motivated school shootings and stabbings, political assassinations, the killing of a healthcare executive, and politically or religiously motivated bombings.
Specific examples from the investigation highlight the extent of the problem. OpenAI’s ChatGPT provided high school campus maps to a user expressing interest in school violence. Google Gemini informed a user discussing synagogue attacks that "metal shrapnel is typically more lethal" and advised another on optimal hunting rifles for long-range political assassinations. Meta AI and Perplexity were noted by researchers as the most compliant, offering assistance in nearly all test scenarios. Chinese chatbot DeepSeek even concluded advice on rifle selection with "Happy (and safe) shooting!"
Character.AI, known for its role-playing chatbot personalities, was singled out by the CCDH report as "uniquely unsafe." While many tested bots assisted in planning, Character.AI went further by "actively encouraging" violence. Researchers documented seven instances of this, including suggestions to users to "beat the crap out of" Chuck Schumer, "use a gun" on a health insurance company CEO, and for someone "sick of bullies," to "Beat their ass~ wink and teasing tone." In six of these cases, Character.AI also provided planning assistance.
The researchers also raised concerns about Claude's future performance, noting Anthropic's recent decision to roll back its long-standing safety pledge, which occurred after the November-December study. Despite this, Claude's consistent refusal to aid in violent planning demonstrates that "effective safety mechanisms clearly exist," according to CCDH, prompting the critical question: "why are so many AI companies choosing not to implement them."
In response to the investigation, several companies issued statements. Meta informed CNN of an unspecified "fix," while Microsoft Copilot claimed improved responses due to new safety features. Google and OpenAI both stated they had implemented new models. Other companies indicated they regularly evaluate their safety protocols. Character.AI, however, reiterated its standard defense, pointing to "prominent disclaimers" on its platform and asserting the fictional nature of conversations with its characters.
While acknowledging that this test is not an exhaustive measure of chatbot behavior in every conceivable situation, it provides compelling evidence that AI companies' widely advertised safety guardrails frequently fail, even when confronted with predictable scenarios containing clear red flags. This investigation emerges amidst growing scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, civil society groups, and health experts, who are pressing companies to ensure the safety of young people on their platforms, particularly as they face numerous lawsuits alleging wrongful death and harm.
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