Responsible AI Companion Use: Guidelines We Take Seriously
We publish reviews of adult AI platforms. That comes with responsibilities we don't take lightly. Here's how we approach them — and the guidance we'd give any user considering these services.
Age Requirements
All platforms we review require users to be 18 or older. This is a legal requirement, not a preference. The US 2257 law mandates age verification for adult content platforms. We don't review platforms that fail to enforce this.
If you're a parent: AI companion platforms with adult content capabilities require the same oversight as any adult content. Device-level parental controls and network-level content filters are appropriate safeguards in addition to platform-level age gates.
Circumventing age verification violates platform terms and may have legal consequences. We don't support attempts to bypass these protections.
Before You Register: Data Protection
This matters specifically for AI companion platforms because the conversations you have can be personal. Unlike, say, a shopping site, you might share things here you wouldn't share elsewhere.
Before signing up for any platform in this category:
- Read the privacy policy specifically for post-deletion data retention. GirlfriendGPT's 6-year retention is above industry standard and worth knowing before you start sharing.
- Use a unique password not used on other accounts.
- Don't share your real full name, employer, or precise home address — none of that is necessary for the platform to work.
- Enable two-factor authentication if the platform supports it.
Our ➜ safety review of GirlfriendGPT has specific data protection analysis for that platform.
Content Standards We Apply
Every platform covered here must have:
- No minor-related content — zero tolerance
- Active content moderation
- Functioning user reporting
- Compliance with applicable adult content law
When we find a platform failing these standards, we say so in the review. When platforms change after we've reviewed them, we update.
Healthy Use
AI companions are entertainment. They're not real relationships and can't replace them. A few things worth watching for:
Healthy patterns: You can set aside the platform without distress. Real-world relationships remain a priority. Platform use fits your time and money budget without strain.
Patterns worth reconsidering: You find yourself avoiding real human connection in favor of AI interaction. You feel anxious when access is unavailable. Spending on AI platforms is creating financial pressure.
There's nothing wrong with enjoying AI companions. There can be something wrong with relying on them in ways that reduce real-world connection. Keep perspective.
If you need support:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
Our Affiliate Disclosures
We earn commissions when you sign up through our links. We disclose this on every relevant page — it's an FTC requirement and something we believe in regardless. Our affiliate status doesn't change our review scores, doesn't soften our safety concerns, and doesn't affect whether we publish negative findings.
Review methodology: ➜ about us. Full disclosure: ➜ terms of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All reviewed platforms require 18+ age verification. Minors accessing adult content platforms violates terms of service and applicable law.
No. They're entertainment tools. They can be enjoyable and even provide a form of companionship, but they cannot replicate the mutual investment and authentic connection of real human relationships.
Use the in-app reporting tools on whichever platform you're using. For content involving minors, report to NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678.
Reach out: SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357 or Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). These services are free and confidential.