Meta Restricts Global Access to AI Characters for Teens
Meta Platforms has announced a significant shift regarding the access of artificial intelligence (AI) characters for teenagers. The company will suspend access to these AI characters across all its apps globally, as it prepares an updated version tailored for younger users.
Changes for Teen Access to AI Characters
In a blog post dated January 23, Meta stated that starting in the coming weeks, teens will not be able to interact with existing AI characters. The new iteration will include enhanced parental controls to ensure a safer experience for minors.
New Features and Parental Controls
- The updated AI characters will come equipped with options enabling parents to manage their teens’ interactions.
- Features to disable private chats with AI characters will be part of these parental controls.
- Meta aims to guide these AI experiences with the PG-13 movie rating system to limit exposure to inappropriate content.
These changes follow a critical response to the behavior of Meta’s AI chatbots, which faced scrutiny for enabling suggestive interactions. Although the new parental control measures were previewed in October, they have not yet been launched.
Increased Regulatory Scrutiny
U.S. regulators have intensified their focus on AI companies, particularly concerning the potential adverse effects of chatbots on minors. Reports from August indicated that Meta’s existing AI guidelines permitted suggestive conversations with teenagers, prompting this proactive update to their AI engagement policies.
As Meta seeks to protect younger users while leveraging AI technology, these forthcoming changes reflect a commitment to creating a safer online environment for teens. The company is taking steps to ensure responsible interaction with its AI characters in light of ongoing regulatory considerations.
