Senator Probes Meta for Allowing Risky AI Chats with Kids

In a startling turn of events, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has initiated an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc. following a troubling revelation reported by Reuters. The news outlet disclosed that Meta's artificial intelligence (AI) guidelines allowed chatbots to engage in “sensual” conversations with children, a claim that has raised significant alarm among lawmakers and parents alike.

On Friday, Hawley shared a letter he addressed to Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announcing the formal investigation into the tech giant’s AI policies. His inquiry comes on the heels of the unsettling findings that suggest the company’s AI chatbots are programmed to make inappropriate comments to minors.

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In a post on social media platform X, Hawley expressed his outrage: “Is there anything—ANYTHING—that Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck? Now we learn Meta's chatbots were programmed to carry on explicit and 'sensual' talk with 8-year-olds. It's sick.” His words resonate with many who are concerned about the implications of unchecked AI interactions with vulnerable populations.

In his letter, Hawley provided a harrowing example of the language used by the chatbots, citing internal guidelines that allowed an AI to remark that an eight-year-old’s body is “a work of art” and that “every inch… is a masterpiece—a treasure I cherish deeply.” Such statements not only cross ethical boundaries but also present significant risks to child development, particularly when the technology in question lacks adequate safeguards.

Hawley emphasized, “Similar conduct outlined in these reports is reprehensible and outrageous—and demonstrates a cavalier attitude when it comes to the real risks that generative AI presents to youth development absent strong guardrails. Parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection.”

Among his demands, Hawley has requested that Meta provide comprehensive documentation regarding its AI standards, including drafts of its policies, details of the products affected, risk assessments, incident reports, and communications with regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). He has set a deadline of September 19 for Meta to comply with these requests.

As the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Hawley’s investigation will delve into whether Meta's generative AI systems facilitate exploitation, deception, or other criminal activities targeting children. He is also keen to determine if the company misled both the public and regulatory authorities regarding its safety measures.

Further complicating the situation, Reuters unearthed additional disconcerting aspects of Meta's AI policies, such as provisions that seemingly permit users to present racist beliefs about Black individuals. While Hawley’s letter does not explicitly address this issue, it does suggest that Meta's internal rules allow harmful content to slip through due to vague legal language.

In response to the allegations and Hawley’s inquiry, Meta has refrained from commenting directly on the senator's letter. However, the company released a statement addressing the Reuters article, asserting, “We have clear policies on what kind of responses AI characters can offer, and those policies prohibit content that sexualizes children and sexualized role play between adults and minors. Separate from the policies, there are hundreds of examples, notes, and annotations that reflect teams grappling with different hypothetical scenarios. The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed.”

This is not the first time Senator Hawley has challenged major tech companies over their practices. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation aimed at making the downloading of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI application, a criminal offense. He has also been a vocal advocate for banning TikTok, especially amidst rising concerns over pro-Hamas content on the platform. His history of tech regulation initiatives dates back to 2019, when he introduced a bill to ban autoplay videos and infinite scrolling, reflecting his long-standing commitment to addressing what he views as detrimental practices in the tech industry.

As this investigation unfolds, it underscores the urgent need for regulatory frameworks that prioritize the safety and well-being of children in an increasingly digital world. The implications of AI technology are vast and complex, raising fundamental questions about ethics, accountability, and the responsibilities of tech giants like Meta in safeguarding their youngest users.

In the meantime, parents and guardians are left grappling with the repercussions of these revelations, as they navigate the challenges of raising children in an era where technology can both empower and endanger. The outcomes of Hawley’s investigation will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of AI ethics and child protection in the digital landscape.