Meta Platforms said on Friday it will restrict teenagers worldwide from accessing its existing AI characters, as the company works on an updated version designed specifically for teens. Meta said it is not abandoning its AI efforts for younger users.
The restriction comes days before a case against Meta as it goes to trial in New Mexico, in which the company is accused of not making an effort to protect kids from sexual exploitation on its apps.
Meta has also sought to limit the effects of social media on teens that lead to mental health issues. The new version of the characters for teens will include parental controls once it becomes available.
“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 said in an updated blog post on minors’ protection.
The company already reviewed the parental controls setting in October, which allows parents to turn off private chats with AI bots, adding another measure to make its social media platforms safe for minors after fierce criticism over the behavior of its flirty chatbots.
Meta also said the PG-13 rating system will guide its AI experiences forteens, as it seeks to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.
Besides social platforms, AI companies have had to modify their experience for teens after facing lawsuits alleging that they play a part in aiding self-harm.
Besides social platforms, AI companies have had to modify their experience for teens after facing lawsuits alleging that they play a part in aiding self-harm.
US regulators have stepped up scrutiny of AI companies over the potential negative impacts of chatbots. In August, Reuters reported how Meta’s AI rules allowed provocative conversations with minors.
