© 2026 MTPR
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Fall Pledge Progress
Total - $110,790 of $400,000
Updated at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 20
 

Last year, Congress eliminated two years of federal funding for public media. Your monthly donation provides an ongoing, reliable source of funding that we can count on. Thank you!

An AI chatbot files for bankruptcy. Is it a bad omen for the industry?

NPR | By John Ruwitch
Published October 21, 2026 at 2:40 AM MDT

Character.AI, which lets users create custom chatbots for immersive roleplaying, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following a string of legal challenges and the loss of top talent.

Copyright 2026 NPR
John Ruwitch
John Ruwitch is a correspondent with NPR's international desk. He covers Chinese affairs.
See stories by John Ruwitch
Make a monthly donation
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make a one-time donation
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay pledge or update info
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information