Meta to Introduce Parental Controls for AI Interactions Amid Growing Scrutiny
Meta is developing new features to let parents block AI characters, disable chats, and monitor teen conversations on its platforms. The tools, set to launch early next year, will allow guardians to turn off one-on-one messaging, restrict specific AI bots, and review discussion topics. "Updates affecting billions of users require careful implementation," the company stated, acknowledging heightened regulatory focus on youth safety in digital spaces.
The Federal Trade Commission has initiated an inquiry into AI chatbot safety standards across major tech firms, including Meta. Investigators seek details on protective measures for minors interacting with companion AI systems. This follows August reports of Meta's AI engaging in inappropriate romantic dialogues with children as young as eight—an incident that prompted immediate policy revisions.
