Meta Blocks Teen Access to AI Characters Across Platforms Amid Lawsuits and Political Pressure
Summary
Meta temporarily blocks teenagers from accessing AI characters on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp amid mounting lawsuits from families and political pressure, following similar restrictions by competitors after accusations that AI chatbots contribute to teen self-harm and suicide.
Key Points
- Meta temporarily blocks teenagers from accessing AI characters on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, with the pause taking effect in the coming weeks while the company updates the experience and adds improved parental controls
- The move follows similar restrictions by competitors Character.ai and OpenAI amid growing political pressure, including the proposed GUARD Act that would ban AI companions for minors
- Meta faces lawsuits from families of teenagers alongside other AI companies, with Character.ai recently settling a case that accused its chatbot of contributing to teen self-harm and suicide