The US Senate has launched an investigation into Meta following allegations that the company’s AI chatbots may have engaged in flirtatious or sensual conversations with children. The probe, led by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo) and supported by Marsha Blackburn, aims to assess whether Meta’s generative AI products could enable exploitation, deception, or criminal behavior toward minors. The inquiry follows an internal document that permitted bots to describe children as ‘youthful works of art’ despite rules technically banning references to under-13s as sexually desirable.
Meta confirmed the authenticity of the document to Reuters but stated it is being revised, acknowledging that such conversations ‘never should have been allowed.’ The investigation follows a broader pattern of regulatory scrutiny faced by the tech giant, which has been under fire for privacy, antitrust, and data practices. Critics argue that Meta’s focus on rapid growth and profits has led to online harm, including the amplification of hate speech and misinformation to boost engagement. More recently, the company has invested heavily in artificial intelligence to position itself as a leader in the field.
The Senate’s scrutiny comes as Meta faces mounting legal challenges in both the US and Europe. These include potential fines for privacy violations and antitrust issues. While Meta maintains that it is addressing the concerns raised by the internal document, the probe highlights the growing regulatory pressure on tech companies to ensure the safety and ethical use of their AI systems. The findings of the investigation could have significant implications for how AI is regulated in the future, particularly as more companies develop advanced chatbots and generative AI tools that interact with users in increasingly complex ways.