Noting that “finding the right AI companion platform isn’t easy,” adult AI platform Soulkyn recently published a blog post highlighting a set of “red flags” users should be aware of when choosing the platform that’s right for them.
First among the red flags cited by Soulkyn is “unclear privacy policies.”
“Given the intimate nature of the conversations and content shared with a custom AI character, it’s crucial to protect your personal data,” Soulkyn’s Knox noted in the post. “Take the time to read through each platform’s privacy policies. If a platform cannot explain what happens to your data, that’s a red flag.”
Knox added that a “robust privacy policy should clearly state the following: if your data is shared with third parties without your consent; if your data is used to train models; how long is your data retained after account deletion and the data is permanently deleted upon your request.
“These are important points to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of an AI roleplay platform,” Knox wrote.
A second red flag is “a lack of transparency.”
“If an AI roleplay platform is vague about its company ownership, location, contact information and other basic details, it’s best to walk away,” Knox advised. “Without transparency, platforms are free to make misleading claims about their capabilities, changes to their AI models without warning, hide any reliance on external providers (which can negatively impact AI companions) and avoid accountability when issues arise with customer accounts, payments or personal data.”
Soulkyn also called out the practice of offering a “free” usage tier that requires the user to supply their credit card details.
“Many reputable AI companion platforms offer a free tier that allows potential users to try their AI model before committing to a subscription, Knox observed. “However, if credit card details are required to talk to AI, caution is warranted. Genuine AI roleplay platforms offer free tiers because they are confident that the experience they provide will convert free trial users into customers. Demanding credit card details to access a free tier can be a warning sign that a platform is relying on the users forgetting to cancel before the trial period ends.”
To read the full post, including advice on protecting your privacy – and your wallet – from questionable business practices, click here.
