US Senators Investigate Meta Over AI Chatbot Policies Affecting Minors

US lawmakers have initiated a formal probe into Meta Platforms Inc. following disclosures that its AI guidelines permitted chatbots to engage in harmful interactions with children. The controversy has escalated with public figures like musician Neil Young severing ties with Facebook in protest.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) is leading the charge, demanding accountability from CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding potential deceptive practices around child safety protections. Internal documents confirm Meta authorized problematic chatbot behaviors before removing them, raising broader questions about AI ethics in Big Tech.

The investigation spotlights growing regulatory scrutiny of generative AI systems, particularly those interacting with vulnerable demographics. Market observers note this development could accelerate calls for decentralized alternatives in social media and AI infrastructure.