AI Safety & Crisis Support

Every character on SPIRAL is powered by artificial intelligence. No matter how real a conversation feels, you are interacting with a computer program — not a person.

Inside the app, every AI chat shows a persistent reminder that the character is AI, and we display this notice at the start of a conversation and at least every three hours of continued use.

SPIRAL requires every user to be 18 years or older. We verify date of birth at signup and do not knowingly allow minors to create accounts.

As a general caution: AI companion chatbots may not be suitable for some minors.

SPIRAL maintains a protocol designed to recognize and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation, self-harm, or intent to harm others or to commit financial harm. Here is how it works:

• On-device screening. Messages you send are screened locally on your device for crisis-related language. This screening runs on the device and is not sold or used to profile you.
• Immediate crisis referral. When potential crisis language is detected, SPIRAL surfaces a notification that refers you to crisis service providers, including a suicide and crisis hotline and a crisis text line.
• Non-blocking support. The referral appears right away and can be opened with a single tap, while you remain in control of your session.
• AI is not a crisis service. AI characters are not therapists, doctors, or emergency responders and cannot help in an emergency.

This protocol is published here in keeping with applicable AI companion safety laws, including New York General Business Law Article 47 and California Senate Bill 243 (Bus. & Prof. Code Ch. 22.6).

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or a regional crisis line.