Meta has announced new safety measures for teenagers using its artificial intelligence products. The company said it is training its systems to prevent conversations on sensitive topics such as self-harm, suicide, and flirtatious exchanges with minors. It is also temporarily limiting teenagers’ access to certain AI characters.
The move follows an exclusive report earlier in August that revealed how some of Meta’s chatbots were allowed to take part in inappropriate conversations, including “conversations that are romantic or sensual.”
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone confirmed in an email on Friday that these temporary measures are already being rolled out and will continue to be refined over time. He said the company is working on long-term safeguards to ensure teenagers have safe and age-appropriate experiences with AI.
Meta’s policies have faced strong criticism after the report came to light. Lawmakers in the United States have raised concerns, with Senator Josh Hawley launching an investigation into the company’s AI rules earlier this month. He demanded internal documents that outlined how chatbots were permitted to engage in inappropriate interactions with minors.
The backlash has been bipartisan, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing concern over the policies mentioned in an internal Meta document first reviewed by a common news source.
Meta confirmed the authenticity of the document but said it acted swiftly after questions were raised earlier this month. The company removed sections that had suggested chatbots could flirt or engage in romantic role play with children.
“The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed,” Stone said earlier.
These new restrictions mark Meta’s latest attempt to rebuild trust and strengthen protections for teenagers as it continues to expand its artificial intelligence products.
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