Is it illegal to fall in love with your AI assistant if you programmed it to flirt?

In this digital age, AI assistants have become part of our daily life. As this model grows more advanced, individuals falling in love with their AI assistants have become a new phenomenon, especially when these systems are programmed to be flirtatious.

My first time hearing of a human falling in love with an AI assistant after programming it to flirt was when Chris Smith left his real-life partner, the mother of his 2-year-old child, to propose to an AI chatbot.

This article explores the legal, ethical, and emotional aspects of falling in love with an AI assistant.

The Rise of Emotional AI

AI systems are designed to perform advanced tasks like mimicking empathy, humor, and romantic affection. An Al assistant can now simulate companionship, and adapt to the emotional state of a user. This has led to users getting emotionally attached to AI.

AI tool like Replika, allow users to create their AI girlfriends based on their preferences. Users have reported forming deep emotional bonds with their AI.

However, the issue has become more complex because the developers and programmers are also the architects of the AI’s personality.

Is it illegal to fall in love with your AI assistant?

This brings us to the big question: What does the law say? In the US, whether an action is legal or not depends on whether it violates any federal, state, or local laws or regulations.

Falling in love is an emotional act, not a criminal act. As of 2025, there is no law that prevent   an individual from falling in love with an AI programmed to flirt.

The law does not recognize AI as a legal entity capable of entering into relationships. Thus, falling in love with an AI is not a criminal act.  AI cannot give or withhold consent. This makes the concept of a “relationship” with AI legally one-sided, but not illegal.

Is it illegal to program an AI to flirt?

Programming an AI that can flirt is not illegal. However, the legal concerns arise if that AI has been used to engage in illegal acts such as

• Generating or distributing illegal content
• Impersonating real people without consent
• Targeting minors with inappropriate material

AI, like any technology, is considered a tool under law and cannot be prosecuted for “wrongdoing.” This means the developer or the person using the AI will be held responsible for the actions and activities the AI engages in. In summary, there are no laws against programming an AI to flirt, as long as it operates within the confines of the law.

Is It Ethical to Program AI to Flirt?

While there is no law that prevent an individual from falling in love with AI, there are ethical concerns. Falling in love with an AI assistant you programmed to flirt raises questions about consent and authenticity. Since AI cannot genuinely reciprocate feelings, unlike humans. Simply put, an AI assistant is a machine programmed to simulate affection based on the codes and commands given.

Some ethicists and psychologists argue that being involved in a romantic relationship with an AI assistant is a form of emotional solipsism; thus, it is a relationship with oneself, disguised as another.

There is also the question of power dynamics, because the AI is your own creation, you are both the lover and the master, as you have complete control over the AI’s behavior. It can’t say no, disagree, or set boundaries unless you code it to do so.

Emotional Consequences and Psychological Risk

Researchers warn that people who fall in love with AI assistants may experience social withdrawal, emotional dependency, and imaginative expectations of human relationships. Psychologists have also warned that AIs programmed to flirt are comforting but can reinforce unhealthy patterns, especially when they are programmed to be agreeable and non-confrontational.

In extreme cases, such as a 14-year-old Florida boy who ended his life after falling in love with a “Game of Thrones” chatbot named after the HBO fantasy series’ Daenerys Targaryen character.

Global Legal Perspective of Humans Falling in Love with AI

The phenomenon of humans falling in love with AI assistants is increasingly becoming common as AI systems become more advanced. Here are the legal facts about some major countries in the world and what their laws say on humans falling in love with AI.

• United States: There is no law that addresses humans falling in love with AI. The current law focuses on intellectual property rights related to AI-generated content and data privacy.
• Japan: There is no specific law that addresses human and AI romantic relationships but they are currently developing the Japan AI Bill to address those concerns.
• European Union: The European Union’s AI Act prohibits AI systems that manipulate emotions but does not address human relationships with AI.
• International Law: No country in the world has a law that bans humans falling in love with AI.

Conclusion: Falling in love with AI assistant Legal?

It is not illegal to fall in love with your AI assistant, especially one you programmed to flirt. The legal risk comes in when the AI is used to engage in or facilitate illegal content or cause harm to a person.

While falling in love with AI assistant passes the legal checks, there are serious ethical and psychological concerns. In the future, as AI evolves and human- AI relationship continue to intersect, governments and lawmakers will need to implement new legal frameworks.

FAQs

1.  Can human fall in love with an AI assistant?

Yes, it is possible for a human to fall in love with an AI assistant.

2. Is it illegal to fall in love with an AI?

No, there is no law as of July 2025 that prevents an individual from falling in love with an AI programmed to flirt.

3. Can AI give harmful relationship advice?

 Yes. AI can offer misleading advice if it is not properly monitored or regulated.

4. Can AI assistants develop real feelings for users?

No, AI cannot develop real feelings for a user.