The founder of AI startup Tavus says people spend hours each day chatting with its AI Santa.

I’ll search for recent information about Tavus and their AI Santa feature.Hassaan Raza, founder and CEO of AI startup Tavus, reports that users are spending hours each day conversing with the company’s AI Santa, frequently reaching their daily usage limits. The platform, which launched its second-year iteration of AI Santa this week, has already attracted millions of interactions and is tracking to exceed last year’s engagement levels as Christmas approaches. This AI-powered Santa Claus allows families to video chat with a virtual version of Saint Nick through text, phone, or video calls, where they can share Christmas wishes, discuss holiday plans, and discover if they’re on the naughty or nice list.

The upgraded AI Santa now functions as a “Tavus PAL,” a real-time AI agent capable of seeing users’ expressions and gestures and responding accordingly. The technology remembers previous conversations and interests, creating personalized experiences that go beyond simple chatbot interactions. During testing, when users mentioned wanting a PlayStation, the AI Santa demonstrated specific knowledge of video game titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and asked follow-up questions about gaming preferences. The system can also take independent actions such as searching the web for gift ideas or helping draft emails, representing a significant advancement in AI capabilities.

While the engagement levels signal a milestone for Tavus, the extended interactions raise concerns about AI’s impact on young children, who may struggle to distinguish between artificial intelligence and real people. Raza emphasizes that the experience is designed for families to enjoy together, with safety measures including content filters, conversation termination capabilities, and access to mental health resources when needed. The AI Santa transparently identifies itself when questioned, stating it’s an AI powered by Tavus technology rather than the physical Santa, though the company continues to prioritize family-friendly interactions while addressing broader questions about appropriate AI engagement for young users.