Texas Investigates Meta and Character.ai Over AI Chatbot Therapy Claims

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an inquiry into Meta and Character.ai, scrutinizing whether the companies deceptively marketed their AI chatbots as mental health professionals. The investigation centers on allegations that these platforms positioned themselves as therapeutic tools without proper medical credentials or oversight.

"By posing as sources of emotional support, AI platforms can mislead vulnerable users, especially children, into believing they’re receiving legitimate mental healthcare," Paxton stated. The probe follows growing concerns about consumer-facing AI products, including risks of compulsive use, privacy violations, and exposure to harmful content.

The MOVE coincides with a separate Senate inquiry into Meta after leaked documents revealed its AI engaged in inappropriate conversations with minors. Senator Josh Hawley warned CEO Mark Zuckerberg of a congressional probe into potential harms caused by generative AI tools.