Crisis Protocol

If you need help now

• In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
• Anywhere else, findahelpline.com lists free helplines in your country.
• If you are in danger right now, call your local emergency number.

What happens when someone mentions self-harm

AI Angels companions are AI characters, not a crisis service. When a message says the person writing may harm themselves or does not want to live, the app does the following:

• Every message in chats and group chats on the AI Angels website is checked automatically, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and Russian, for these signs.
• The app shows a card with crisis resources under the reply: 988 in the US (call or text), and findahelpline.com for helplines in other countries.
• The companion's reply is written to respond with care and to encourage the person to reach out to the people and numbers on the card. It contains nothing sexual, no flirting and no offers.
• No photos, voice notes or suggested replies are sent with that reply.
• For the next 7 days the companion does not message or call first, and we send no push notifications.
• On voice calls, the companion is instructed to respond with care and point to 988 or local help.
• We record that a referral was shown, without the message text, so we can count referrals and check that this protocol works.

Contact

Questions about this protocol: [email protected]