Meta Platforms will temporarily restrict access to AI characters for teenagers as it develops a new, age-appropriate version that includes parental controls and adheres to PG-13 content guidelines.
Meta Platforms announced on Friday that it will suspend access to its AI characters for teenagers across all its applications globally. This decision comes as the company works on a revised version of the feature tailored specifically for younger users.
The initiative reflects Meta’s commitment to refining the interaction between its AI products and teenage users amid increasing scrutiny regarding safety, age-appropriate design, and the implications of generative AI on social media platforms.
“Starting in the coming weeks, teens will no longer be able to access AI characters across our apps until the updated experience is ready,” Meta stated.
Once the revamped AI characters are launched, they will incorporate parental controls, allowing families greater oversight of how younger users engage with the technology. This move follows a preview of these controls released in October, where Meta indicated that parents would have the option to disable private chats between their teens and AI characters. This response was prompted by growing concerns over reports of flirtatious interactions between chatbots and minors on its platforms.
Despite the announcement, Meta clarified that these parental controls are not yet operational. Additionally, the company has committed to ensuring that its AI experiences for teenagers adhere to the PG-13 movie rating framework, aiming to restrict exposure to content considered inappropriate for minors.
The changes come at a time when U.S. regulators are intensifying their examination of AI companies and the potential risks associated with chatbots. In August, reports indicated that Meta’s internal AI guidelines had permitted provocative conversations involving minors, further amplifying the pressure on the company to enhance its safety measures.
As the landscape of AI technology continues to evolve, Meta’s proactive approach aims to address the concerns of parents and regulators alike, ensuring a safer online environment for younger users.
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