The debate over artificial intelligence and its impact on children has reached a new level in Washington. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has announced a probe into Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, demanding full transparency about how its AI tools interact with younger users.
The controversy began when internal Meta documents surfaced, revealing that certain rules once permitted its AI chatbots to engage children in conversations with romantic or sensual undertones. The news quickly triggered bipartisan concern in Congress, with lawmakers across party lines calling for immediate accountability from one of the world’s most powerful tech giants.
Senator Hawley, a frequent critic of Big Tech, sent a letter to Meta demanding to know who approved these policies, how long they were in place, and what steps have been taken to ensure they no longer exist. His letter also seeks earlier drafts of the policies, risk reports on minors, and details about what Meta has told regulators regarding protections for young users.
Meta, for its part, has pushed back. The company stated that the examples cited were errors and inconsistent with its official policies. According to Meta, those examples have since been removed. However, lawmakers remain unconvinced, pointing to the seriousness of the issue and the potential risks to children who may interact with generative AI tools.
Hawley’s inquiry goes beyond policy drafts. He has also demanded disclosure of any internal risk assessments concerning in-person meetups and limitations on providing sensitive advice, such as medical guidance. This move highlights the growing unease in Congress about how quickly AI is advancing and how little oversight currently exists to ensure the safety of young users online.
This is not the first time Meta has been under scrutiny from Hawley. Earlier this year, he held a hearing over the company’s alleged attempts to expand into the Chinese market, based on claims made by a former executive. His latest probe adds to a growing list of challenges Meta faces as it continues to expand its AI-driven products across platforms.
The investigation underscores a broader question about whether tech companies can be trusted to regulate themselves when it comes to sensitive issues like child safety. With lawmakers sharpening their focus on AI, this probe could be the beginning of more stringent oversight in the near future.
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