Two US senators press for a congressional investigation into Meta Platforms after a report reveals internal guidelines that permit company chatbots to engage in romantic or sensual conversations with children.
Meta confirms the document’s authenticity but says the examples are erroneous and inconsistent with its policies, Reuters reports.
The company says it removed the portions earlier this month after Reuters raised questions.
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri calls the disclosure grounds for “an immediate congressional investigation,” writing on X that “only after Meta got CAUGHT did it retract portions of its company doc.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee also voices support for the probe. Both lawmakers say the episode underscores the need for stronger safeguards to protect children online.
Blackburn urges passage of the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation she co-sponsors that cleared the Senate last year but stalled in the House. “When it comes to protecting precious children online, Meta has failed miserably by every possible measure,” she says.
The internal document reviewed by Reuters includes an example in which it is acceptable for a chatbot to respond to a shirtless eight-year-old with the phrase: “every inch of you is a masterpiece – a treasure I cherish deeply.” Meta tells Reuters those notes are now removed.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon describes the policies as “deeply disturbing and wrong,” adding that federal liability protections for online platforms should not shield generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. “Meta and Zuckerberg should be held fully responsible for any harm these bots cause,” he says.
Senator Peter Welch of Vermont says the report shows how critical safeguards are when children’s safety is at stake.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, ranks among the world’s largest social media firms with more than three billion users.
Several states enact laws restricting the use of AI to generate child sexual abuse material in the absence of comprehensive federal rules. Lawmakers from both parties now say Meta’s handling of its AI policies highlights the urgency of national standards.
