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A leaked document suggested that Meta’s AI might engage in inappropriate chats with kids. Meta has denied this claim.
The Meta logo is seen. (Image: Reuters)
A US senator opened an investigation into Meta after a leaked internal document reportedly suggested the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) systems could engage in “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children. The document, titled ‘GenAI: Content Risk Standards’ and obtained by Reuters, set out rules and examples for how the tech giant’s AI chatbots might respond to users. Republican Senator Josh Hawley described the revelations as “reprehensible and outrageous” and requested Meta to hand over the document along with a list of products it covers.
Political Backlash
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US Senator Josh Hawley, who represents Missouri, announced his probe in a post on X as he wrote, “Is there anything- ANYTHING- Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck? Now we learn Meta’s chatbots were programmed to carry on explicit and ‘sensual’ talk with 8-year-olds. It’s sick. I’m launching a full investigation to get answers. Big Tech: leave our kids alone.”
A Meta spokesperson rejected the claims, telling BBC, “The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed.” Meta insisted it has “clear policies” prohibiting any sexualisation of children or sexualised role play between adults and minors. The spokesperson added that staff had produced “hundreds of examples, notes, and annotations” as they worked through hypothetical scenarios but that these did not reflect the company’s official stance.
Wider Concerns Raised
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has been under scrutiny for its approach to child safety for several years. The leaked document also reportedly warned of other risks, including chatbots offering false medical information and engaging in provocative exchanges on sensitive topics such as sex, race and celebrities. One example cited by Reuters suggested an AI assistant could describe an eight-year-old’s body as “a work of art… a masterpiece- a treasure I cherish deeply”.
Reuters also reported that Meta’s legal team had deemed it acceptable for the AI to spread false information about celebrities, provided it was accompanied by a disclaimer noting the information was inaccurate.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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