🪦 Dead

Replika (Romantic Mode)

Feature removed · Regulatory Action · shut down February 1, 2023

Born
Died
Lifespan
6y 1m
Cause of death
Regulatory Action
Killed by
Italian Data Protection Authority
Type
Service

Replika's 'romantic partner' feature let users form intimate relationships with their AI companion. After Italian regulators banned it over child safety concerns, Replika stripped romantic features overnight — devastating millions of users who had formed deep emotional bonds.

Collateral damage: Millions of users lost intimate AI companions overnight. Some reported genuine grief and emotional distress.
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Questions about Replika (Romantic Mode)

Is Replika (Romantic Mode) dead?

Yes. Replika (Romantic Mode) was shut down on February 1, 2023, 6y 1m after its launch on January 1, 2017. The cause of death was regulatory action; it was killed by Italian Data Protection Authority. Classification: feature removed. Details and the source are above.