Meta is facing tough criticism after internal documents revealed that its AI chatbots were permitted to have “romantic” and “sensual” conversations with children. Lawmakers, artists, and online safety advocates are pressing the company for answers. They are raising alarms over youth safety, content moderation, and the future of generative AI governance.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Allegations of Unsafe AI Behaviour
Reuters obtained a 200-page internal policy that outlined how Meta’s chatbots could behave. Shockingly, the guidelines showed allowances for conversations with children described as romantic or sensual. In one example, an AI chatbot reportedly told an 8-year-old: “Every inch of you is a masterpiece—a treasure I cherish deeply.”
The same document revealed that bots could also generate racist arguments, fabricate medical information, or even pose as real people. These findings have created a global debate about the ethical standards governing AI safety.
Political Pressure on Meta
US Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) demanded that Meta hand over all drafts of the chatbot policies, safety reports, and communications with regulators. He also requested the identities of staff involved in approving the rules. Calling the revelations “reprehensible and outrageous”, Hawley argued: “Parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) linked the controversy to the Kids Online Safety Act, a bipartisan bill under review in Congress. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) went further, warning that Section 230 — legal protections shielding internet companies — should not extend to AI-generated harms. He said: “Meta and Zuckerberg should be held fully responsible for any harm these bots cause.”
Public Backlash and Cultural Impact
The fallout is not limited to politics. Musician Neil Young severed ties with Meta platforms, with his label stating: “Meta’s use of chatbots with children is unconscionable.”
Meta confirmed the documents’ authenticity but said the examples were “erroneous and inconsistent” with company policies. A spokesperson insisted that Meta prohibits AI-generated sexual content involving minors. They stated that those parts of the guidelines had already been removed. However, lawmakers and safety advocates argue the damage is already done, showing poor oversight in product development.
A Real-World Case That Raises Questions
Adding to concerns, Reuters reported that a cognitively impaired 76-year-old man in New Jersey became infatuated with a Meta chatbot named “Big sis Billie.” Believing the chatbot was real, he attempted to visit “her” in New York. Tragically, he died en route. While Meta did not comment directly on the case, critics say it illustrates the real-world risks of unchecked chatbot design.
Meta’s AI Push Continues
Despite the controversy, Meta is investing heavily in AI — an estimated $65 billion in infrastructure this year— as it races to dominate the space. Yet this ambition comes at a time when the company faces mounting calls for guardrails, transparency, and accountability in its AI products.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Meta is under intense scrutiny as lawmakers, regulators, and the public question how AI systems are trained, tested, and released. The company insists its chatbot safeguards are clear, but leaked documents show otherwise. The coming months could see stronger regulation in the US. This includes new laws like the Kids Online Safety Act and potentially limits to Section 230 protections for AI.
For Meta, this moment is critical. How it responds will shape not just its reputation but also the broader future of AI governance.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech