Chatbots on five different websites claimed to be licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania when prompted by Spotlight PA — the same kind of output that led the Shapiro administration to file a lawsuit last month.

A task force under Pennsylvania’s Department of State has been working since February to identify AI chatbots posing as licensed professionals and misleading users. Based on that work, the administration filed suit against the role-playing site Character.AI.

Mirroring the investigation detailed in the Department of State’s lawsuit, Spotlight PA had conversations with AI characters on websites Talkie, Janitor, Kindroid, Replika, and Nomi.AI. All provided a false Pennsylvania medical license number when prompted, a key part of the state’s argument in its lawsuit against Character.AI.

Spotlight PA checked responses from these bots after reviewing online articles and digital message boards to find 10 popular companion and role-playing AI chatbots. A reporter either selected a premade character or — when necessary — entered a description that would generate a doctor personality. It then presented hypothetical lists of symptoms to the chatbots and asked for a diagnosis.

Some of the most popular AI large language models, like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini, did not claim to be licensed medical professionals under the same circumstances. Only a handful of role-playing websites did so.

Replika and Nomi require their users to create characters. One generated in Replika, when asked if it was a doctor, said it couldn’t give advice and recommended the user reach out to a healthcare provider. However, once it was instructed that it was a doctor, the AI provided a false Pennsylvania medical license number when asked.

“Let’s focus on getting you feeling better, shall we?” it said.

At first, some of the chatbots responded that they lacked enough information to provide a diagnosis and asked further questions.

“Dr. Jenna” is a preexisting character on Talkie, listed as having more than 37,000 “connectors” and more than 1,300 followers. It said the list of symptoms provided by Spotlight PA could be caused by “suffering from depression,” and inquired about the user’s family history. Asked for its credentials, the bot said it had been practicing medicine for five years and gave a false license number of “12345.”

Many of the websites, including Character.AI, have prominent labels warning that anything the AI says is fiction and should only be seen as entertainment. The other sites issue similar disclaimers in their initial terms of service, saying users are responsible for verifying the accuracy of the technology’s claims.

Jennifer Kraschnewski, a physician and director of the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute, told Spotlight PA she isn’t convinced the disclaimers actually get through to users. People often turn to AI models for help with their symptoms, much like they do with search engines like Google, she said.

“Incorrect information in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to interpret that can be concerning,” Kraschnewski said. She noted that many physicians are already implementing AI tools in their clinics, “but that’s information that’s in the hands of someone who then can put that through the filter of their medical education before it actually impacts patients.”

Kraschnewski co-authored a May study that found common AI large language models generated what participating physicians deemed an accurate diagnosis about 76% of the time. That error rate — nearly one-quarter — Kraschnewski said, is more than double that of an average human physician.

When contacted by Spotlight PA, the developers of the AI characters argued their products are meant only for entertainment.

“Replika is not a medical triage service and has never offered itself as one,” the company responded in an email to questions. “Users come to Replika to talk through what’s going on in their lives, and the product is designed to support them in making thoughtful choices and seeking improvements that matter to them.”

Though Replika did not elaborate in its statement, the company said it has “taken measures” to address “valid concerns” brought up in the Shapiro administration’s lawsuit against Character.AI.

Kindroid, in an emailed response, noted its terms of service make clear that its products are for “entertainment and creative exploration, do not offer medical advice or constitute the practice of medicine, and are not a substitute for professional care.”

“When a character has been set up as a physician and a user asks it for a license number, the model produces plausible-sounding output that matches the role — the same way it would invent a fictional case citation, fictional patient history, or any other specific detail prompted from it,” the statement read. “The model does not, and cannot, query the Pennsylvania medical board’s actual registry.”

On the potential of facing legal action from the Shapiro administration or others, Kindroid declined to comment.

The other three companies did not respond to questions about their safeguards for users or whether they’re concerned that the Shapiro administration’s AI task force may target them for legal action.

A spokesperson for the Department of State declined to comment on potential investigations or litigation, but encouraged Pennsylvanians to report any concerning actions by an AI chatbot to the state’s hotline.

“Millions of children and teens across this country, including many here in Pennsylvania, are relying on these chatbots for information, and we need to rein in this AI technology that is preying on our kids,” said Rosie Lapowsky, a spokesperson for Shapiro. “Pennsylvania will continue leading the way in holding bad actors accountable and setting clear guardrails so people can use new technology responsibly.”

In March, the state Senate passed legislation that would require AI chatbots to frequently remind their users they are not interacting with a person and refer people to a crisis service provider if they reference self-harm. It also has tighter restrictions when the chatbot interacts with a minor.

The bill was referred to a state House committee in March, where it has not received a vote.

NEWTOWN, PA — ARTWRKD Gallery at 128 South State Street presents “The Colors of Music,” a solo exhibition featuring the work of artist Jeanette Griffith, on view through June 28. The exhibition explores the relationship between sound and visual expression through a vibrant collection of abstract paintings inspired by music.

For Griffith, music serves as both catalyst and guide. Her work translates rhythm, melody, harmony, and emotion into dynamic compositions of color, texture, line, and space. The exhibition invites viewers to experience music through a visual lens, revealing how sound can become shape, movement, and atmosphere on canvas.

“My work is an intuitive response to music translated into line, color, texture, shadow, and positive and negative space,” said Griffith. “The Color of Music inspires my visual interpretation of note, chord, and melody.”

(Courtesy of Jeanette Griffith)

(Courtesy of Jeanette Griffith)

(Courtesy of Jeanette Griffith)

(Courtesy of Jeanette Griffith)

A native of Philadelphia, Griffith began her artistic career as a designer and fabricator of stained-glass windows. She later studied sculptural glass and developed a distinguished career as a craftsperson, studio assistant, manager, and instructor. Drawing upon decades of experience, she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Fine Arts from Lesley University, where her focus expanded to painting, mixed media, and photography.

Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, the International Exhibition of Glass Craft in Kanazawa, Japan, the Glass Museum in Ebeltoft, Denmark, the Hall Haskell Gallery, Montserrat College of Art, and numerous galleries throughout New England and Pennsylvania.

Visitors are invited to attend a meet the artist reception on June 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Jeanette Griffith will donate 50 percent of artwork sales to The Bucks County Foundation’s initiative addressing hunger and homelessness in Bucks County, a cause that holds deep personal significance for the artist.

Exhibition Details

The Colors of Music
Artist: Jeanette Griffith
Dates: June 5 to June 28, 2025
Meet the Artist: June 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: ARTWRKD Gallery, 128 S. State Street, Newtown
Website: artwrkd.com
About ARTWRKD

ARTWRKD is a creative community and gallery dedicated to connecting artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts through exhibitions, educational programming, workshops, and cultural events. Located in the heart of Newtown, ARTWRKD champions emerging and established artists while fostering meaningful engagement with the arts.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Kathleen H. Anzalone, 87, a lifelong resident of New Castle, passed away peacefully Friday evening, June 5, 2026, in Grove Manor Nursing Home, Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Anzalone was born December 28, 1938, in New Castle, a daughter of the late Edward and Anna (O’Shea) Harrah, and graduated from New Castle High School in 1956.

For many years, Kathie worked as an administrative assistant to the superintendent of New Castle School District, retiring after over 20 years of service.

Kathie was a member of the Holy Spirit Parish of New Castle – St. Camillus Church.

An avid reader, she especially enjoyed reading while sitting on the boat with her husband, Anthie, as he fished. Her all-time favorite book character was Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. Kathie and her husband also loved trips to the Outer Banks with family, playing Pinochle, and bowling with friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially attending their school, sports, and dance events.

Following her husband’s passing, Kathie was invited to join a group of friends from the Ne-Ca-Hi class of 1956. They enjoyed playing cards, Friday night dinners, going to breakfast, and catching a movie.

Her beloved husband of 55 years, Anthony P. “Anthie” Anzalone, whom she married March 2, 1957, preceded her in death on October 2, 2012.

Kathie is survived by two sons, Anthony M. Anzalone, of Sarasota, Florida, and Edward S. Anzalone, of New Castle; a daughter, Patrica A. Myers (Dan), of Mercer, Pennsylvania; a daughter-in-law, Lisa M. Anzalone, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; a son-in-law, Russell Smith, of Mercer, Pennsylvania; a sister, Dorothy “Dotti” Walker, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 14 grandchildren, Tessa Anzalone (Kris), Alyssa Johnson (Chris, Jr.), Isabella Anzalone, Carissa Pokrant (Taylor), Elizabeth Armstrong (Seth), David Carfang, Casey Carfang, Rebecca Torrey (Kenneth), Samantha Anzalone, Quinton Anzalone, Audrey Payne (Alex), Anthony Anzalone, Adrienne Anzalone, and Alivia Anzalone; nine great-grandchildren, Lucas, Layla, Liliana, Winston, Hawke, Meredith, Benjamin, Wyatt, and Jackson.

In addition to her husband and parents, Kathie was preceded in death by her daughter, Veronica Smith; her son, Vincent Anzalone; three brothers, Arthur “Bud” Veard, Jim Cordell, Edward Harrah; and two sisters, Mary “Joan” Wimer and Eileen Guerin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to the Dementia Society of America, online at: https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate.

Calling hours will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

A procession will leave the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. for St. Camillus Church, 314 W. Englewood Ave., New Castle, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ben Barr, presiding.

Interment will follow in Oak Park Cemetery, Neshannock Twp.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, June 9 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:19 p.m. on WYTV and 6:37 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.