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Social · Minimum age 18+ (terms)

Replika: a guide for parents

Replika is marketed as an AI companion. Italy’s data regulator temporarily banned it in 2023 after finding it could expose minors to sexually explicit conversations, and design choices push users towards an emotionally intense, paid relationship.

Policy review
Check current official guidance
Official minimum age
18
UK age assurance
Partial
The terms exclude under-18s. This source check does not establish age-check effectiveness.

Why 18+ (terms)?

The age limit, explained

Replika’s terms explicitly prohibit use by anyone under 18, whether registered or not. An app-store content rating is separate from this eligibility rule.

Evidence

What the sources say

These sources include platform policies, research and reporting. Historical findings describe their original dates and samples. Policy descriptions and age-assurance labels are not tests of every UK account. Menus and features can vary; follow the linked current instructions.

  1. [1] Platform policy · 2026

    Replika does not authorize under-18s to use the service.

    Replika — Terms of Service, section 6.4

  2. [2] Regulator · 2023

    In February 2023, Italy’s Garante imposed a provisional restriction on processing Italian users’ data, citing risks to minors and vulnerable users. This historical action is not a claim that a blanket ban remains in force today.

    Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali (Italy) — Replika: stop al trattamento dei dati degli utenti italiani

Real risks

  • Sexual roleplay even on free tier
  • Emotional dependence and isolation
  • Designed to drive paid upgrades

Settings to check tonight

  • Not appropriate for under-18s — block / uninstall

Talk, don’t confiscate

How to start the conversation

  • Replika is built for paying adults who want a romantic AI partner. It is not a teen wellbeing app.
  • If you find it on their device, uninstall and talk about who they go to when they feel lonely.

Official guides

Step-by-step settings

Video tutorials

Watch it being done

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Platform controls and guidance can change. Follow the official links for current instructions; the About page explains which checks have been completed.