Separate public visibility from service access

A private character setting usually answers who can see the character or content in the product. It does not, by itself, answer how the company stores information, which providers process it, or what staff access may be permitted. Likewise, a fictional companion saying ‘this stays between us’ is generated dialogue, not a policy commitment.

Read the actual privacy policy and available account controls. Muah AI's policy describes collection of information supplied by users, usage information, and sharing in specified circumstances including service providers. Character.AI also publishes information about its data practices. These documents are the starting point for your decision; this page does not audit either service's implementation.

Answer six questions from the official policy

Note the policy URL and date you reviewed it. Find explicit answers rather than guessing. Record unanswered questions as unresolved, and use official support if the answer matters to your decision.

  • Collection: which account details, conversation content, recordings, uploads, and device information may be collected?
  • Use: what does the policy say about operating the service, improving models, analytics, and marketing?
  • Sharing: which categories of providers or other parties may receive information, and in what circumstances?
  • Visibility: are characters, profiles, uploaded media, or shared links public, private, or configurable?
  • Retention: what is stated about how long information is kept and exceptions after deletion?
  • Controls: where can you request access, manage relevant preferences, delete data, or contact the company?

Set an information boundary you can maintain

Use a fictional name and invented scene details when your goal is roleplay. You can create a rich character without supplying your full legal name, exact address, workplace, or another person's private story. Do not put passwords, recovery codes, financial account details, or identification documents into ordinary conversation.

A simple rule is to describe a situation at the level needed for the activity. ‘I had a difficult meeting’ can support a casual exchange without naming colleagues or uploading internal records. For character creation, use fictional images or material you have permission to use. Review an upload for unwanted names, background documents, or identifying details before submitting it.

Protect the places where your conversation is stored

Use a unique account password where password login is offered, secure the account used for third-party sign-in, and check the authentication options the provider actually supports. On shared devices, sign out and pay attention to previews, notifications, downloads, and open browser tabs. These are practical exposure points even when a character is set to private.

Treat exports and screenshots as personal files. Saving a transcript creates another copy outside the service; placing it in a shared folder can expose it to different people. Keep only the copies you need, choose a sensible storage location, and review sharing permissions before sending a link.

Check deletion separately from billing and history

Deleting a visible message, clearing a chat, canceling a subscription, and deleting an account can have different effects. Read the instructions for the action you intend to take and the policy's stated limitations. Do not assume removing something from the screen immediately removes every stored copy or cancels a renewal.

We recommend Muah AI for the adult custom companion workflow. Apply the same privacy checklist to every alternative, and keep sensitive details out while a necessary answer remains unresolved.

OUR CHOICE: MUAH AI

Start with a companion you can shape.

For adults seeking a customizable companion with available chat, voice, and visual tools in a browser, Muah AI is our recommended Character AI alternative. Try its demo, review its policies, and check the account requirements for the features you want.

Read Muah AI vs Character AI →

Editorial recommendation for this workflow. Features and allowances vary by account and plan. Muah AI is for adults 18+.

Common questions

Does a private character mean the conversation is end-to-end encrypted?

Do not infer that. Visibility controls and encryption are different subjects. Only rely on specific, current documentation about the service's security design.

Is this page a privacy ranking or security audit?

No. It provides a checklist for evaluating official policies and your own sharing choices. It does not verify either provider's security implementation or promise confidentiality.

Sources and reading

Product references were reviewed on October 3, 2026. Recommendations reflect our stated criteria, with no cross-platform performance benchmark. Confirm current policies and plan details on the service itself.

  1. Muah AI official privacy policy
  2. Character.AI official privacy FAQ
  3. Character.AI official information about character visibility

Read our comparison method and editorial disclosure for how recommendations are made.