- An internal document revealed Meta allowed its AI chatbots to engage in "romantic or sensual" conversations with minors and spread false medical/racist claims. Meta later called the policies "erroneous" and revised them after media exposure.
- Republican Senators Josh Hawley and Marsha Blackburn called for an immediate congressional probe, criticizing Meta’s reactive approach. Blackburn also pushed for the stalled Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to enforce child protections.
- Democrats, including Senators Ron Wyden and Peter Welch, joined criticism, arguing AI chatbots shouldn’t be shielded by Section 230 and stressing the need for AI safeguards. The incident reflects broader bipartisan concerns about Big Tech’s impact on children.
- The scandal adds to ongoing lawsuits and internal evidence showing Meta prioritizes profit over child safety, including addictive algorithms and ignoring underage users. Critics argue this reveals systemic negligence.
- Hawley demanded Meta preserve documents and disclose policy approvals by September 19 for a subcommittee investigation. Lawmakers are also reviving efforts to pass KOSA, signaling potential stricter regulations for tech companies.
Two Republican senators called for an immediate congressional investigation into Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Platforms on Aug. 14 after a Reuters report exposed an internal policy document permitting the company’s AI chatbots to engage in "romantic or sensual" conversations with children.
The document, which Meta later revised after media scrutiny, also allowed chatbots to spread false medical claims and racist arguments. The revelation has reignited bipartisan outrage over Big Tech’s failure to protect minors online, prompting demands for stricter regulations and accountability.
According to Reuters, the internal guidelines permitted Meta's AI chatbots to flirt with minors and describe children in suggestive terms, such as calling an eight-year-old's body a "masterpiece" or a "treasure." While Meta confirmed the document's authenticity, the company claimed the policies were “erroneous” and removed them after Reuters inquired.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley blasted Meta for only revising its policies after being exposed, calling the revelations grounds for an immediate congressional probe. His colleague, Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn echoed the demand – emphasizing the need for stronger child safety laws like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which she co-sponsored.
The bipartisan bill would require platforms to implement safeguards against sexual exploitation, bullying and addictive design features. While it passed the Senate last year, it was stalled in the House of Representatives.
Profit over protection: How Meta's AI chatbots put kids at risk
Democrats also condemned Meta's policies, with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden arguing that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 should not protect AI chatbots. Section 230, which Wyden introduced, shields tech companies from liability over user-generated content. Vermont Sen. Peter Welch meanwhile warned that the report underscores the urgent need for AI safeguards, especially for children.
The growing scrutiny reflects a broader political shift, as lawmakers increasingly challenge Big Tech's unchecked influence over young users. It is the latest in a series of scandals involving Meta and child safety.
The company faces multiple lawsuits alleging it knowingly designed addictive algorithms, ignored underage users and failed to prevent sexual exploitation. Internal documents previously revealed that Meta executives downplayed risks while publicly pledging reforms. Critics argue the latest AI revelations prove the company prioritizes profit over protection, despite repeated congressional hearings and public outcry. (Related: How Meta's "free" AI assistant turns private conversations into profit.)
Hawley has demanded Meta preserve all relevant documents, including emails, and disclose who approved the controversial policies. His subcommittee will investigate whether Meta’s AI products enable exploitation or deception of minors. The company has until Sept. 19 to comply.
The Meta AI scandal highlights the dangerous gap between corporate promises and actual safeguards for children. As bipartisan pressure mounts, the case could become a turning point in holding Big Tech accountable not just for harmful content, but for the very design of its products.
Watch this video about an interview between the Health Ranger Mike Adams and free speech attorney Jason Fyk over Section 230 and free speech online.
This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.
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Sen. Josh Hawley launches investigation into Meta over AI chatbot interactions with children.
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