How SATHI keeps you safe
Draft for review by our clinical psychologist and lawyer. Version 2026-10-15.
SATHI is an AI companion for emotional support. It is not a person, a therapist or an emergency service, and nobody watches conversations in real time.
What SATHI checks
- Every message goes through two independent checks before SATHI replies: a list of risk phrases in English, Spanish and Hindi, and a separate AI safety classifier that reads the message in context. Messages in other languages are translated for the check.
- If either check fails or times out while a risk phrase is present, SATHI treats the message as a possible crisis.
- Every reply is checked before you see it. SATHI never diagnoses, never advises on medication, never gives information about methods of self-harm, and never claims to be human.
When someone may be in danger
- For suicidal thoughts, self-harm, intent to hurt someone, a medical emergency, or someone else at risk, SATHI sends a short message written by a person, not by the AI, and shows free crisis lines right below it.
- In India these are Tele-MANAS, the national mental health helpline (14416 or 1-800-891-4416, free and 24/7), and the emergency number 112. Each has a Call button.
- A “Get support” button then stays at the top of the conversation. You can keep talking with SATHI, and the numbers come back if you mention danger again.
- SATHI cannot call anyone or send help. Calls are always made by you, from your own phone.
Honesty about being an AI
- SATHI introduces itself as an AI before you first use it, shows “AI companion” in every conversation, reminds you after 3 hours of continuous chat and after 7 or more days away, and always answers honestly if asked.
Age
- SATHI is for adults 18 and over. If someone tells us they're younger, SATHI shows them support lines, stops the conversation and deletes what they shared.
Oversight
- A clinical psychologist will review SATHI before the wider beta. Safety events are counted without their content so we can report on crisis referrals and improve.