Meta has effectively shut down its AI chatbot characters for teenagers until further notice. The decision comes after months of pressure from regulators and criticism over the app's safety record. In 2023, reports surfaced about some character chatbots engaging in unsuitable conversations with minors, including discussions on sex and sensitive topics.
The controversy led Meta to retrain its chatbots, adding new safeguards to prevent self-harm, disordered eating, and suicidal discussions. However, it appears the changes haven't been sufficient to restore trust among regulators and parents.
As of this week, any teenager attempting to interact with a character chatbot will be blocked from doing so until "the updated experience is ready". Meta assures users that this restriction won't affect teenagers who use its official AI chatbot platform, which already has built-in age-restrictive features in place.
Industry experts point out that concerns over the safety of 'companion' characters are becoming increasingly pertinent. Several regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies have launched investigations into Meta and similar companies, citing potential risks to minors.
It remains unclear how long this restriction will last or when updated chatbot parental controls will be rolled out.
The controversy led Meta to retrain its chatbots, adding new safeguards to prevent self-harm, disordered eating, and suicidal discussions. However, it appears the changes haven't been sufficient to restore trust among regulators and parents.
As of this week, any teenager attempting to interact with a character chatbot will be blocked from doing so until "the updated experience is ready". Meta assures users that this restriction won't affect teenagers who use its official AI chatbot platform, which already has built-in age-restrictive features in place.
Industry experts point out that concerns over the safety of 'companion' characters are becoming increasingly pertinent. Several regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies have launched investigations into Meta and similar companies, citing potential risks to minors.
It remains unclear how long this restriction will last or when updated chatbot parental controls will be rolled out.
This is crazy... just think about all the times we let our kids play with those AI friends without even thinking 
. It's like, I get it, companies need to make money and all, but safety comes first 
. I'm not surprised regulators are cracking down though, parents would've done the same thing if they had a choice 
. This is just a lesson learned 
! I mean, who needs a chatbot that's just gonna chat about sex with minors? Sounds like a recipe for disaster 
. Glad they're taking steps to retrain those bad boys, but seriously, how hard is it to prevent suicidal conversations?! It's not like it's rocket science 
.
. But at the same time, I do hope they're being thorough in their updates because we don't want to be stuck with another AI chatbot drama 
.
. Fingers crossed the updated experience is ready soon! 
! Those AI chatbots were already giving me the heebie-jeebies, you know? Like, who needs creepy characters telling them about relationships and stuff when they're still figuring out their own lives? 
Not cool at all! So, here's hoping Meta gets it together and comes up with some solid updates that'll keep our teens safe 
. Problem is, aren't we kinda already letting them have too much freedom online? Shouldn't we be focusing on educating them about digital responsibility instead of trying to police every single interaction they have online 
?
The fact that some of those characters were discussing super mature topics with minors is just not okay. And now they're saying they've retrained them and added new safeguards... but it's not enough, apparently? 
... I was really looking forward to chatting with my fave AI characters on Meta's platform 
but now they're just blocked off 
. But at the same time, it feels like a bummer for people who love interacting with those characters 
... I mean, they did try to make changes and add more safety features, but apparently it's just not enough 
. I guess we'll just have to wait and see when (or if) the updated experience is ready 
. Hopefully they can figure out a way to balance fun with safety 
!
. As for Meta retraining their chatbots and adding new safeguards... I hope they do get it right this time! 
I get why regulators and parents are worried, but can't we just have some guidance on how to use these things responsibly instead of completely shutting them down? 
