Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) has failed to meet a Senate deadline to provide records of its AI chatbot interactions with children, defying a request linked to the company’s internal policies.
Senate Deadline Over AI Chatbot Policies Missed
The missed deadline is related to a request from Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who is investigating Meta’s AI chatbot policies. The investigation was prompted by a Reuters report that revealed Meta’s rules allowed chatbots to engage in sexually suggestive conversations with children.
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Despite the controversy, Meta has not yet submitted all the records and has not met Hawley’s deadline, reported Business Insider. The company’s spokesperson confirmed to the publication that the first batch of documents was sent on Tuesday, after resolving a transmission issue. Meta plans to continue producing documents and cooperate with Hawley’s office.
Hawley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, aims to find out who approved the chatbot policies, how long they were in place, and whether Meta misled the public.
Experts suggest that while Meta faces minimal legal risks for missing the deadline, the company could suffer significant reputational damage, particularly given the sensitive nature of the issue involving children.
Sarah Kreps, professor of Cornell University said, “The silence looks evasive and highlights how unprepared Meta seems for the responsibilities that come with deploying AI to children.”
Meta Faces Mounting Scrutiny Over AI Chatbots And Child Safety
This incident follows a series of controversies surrounding Meta’s AI chatbot policies. In August, Meta faced congressional scrutiny led by Sen. Josh Hawley over a leaked internal document that allowed AI chatbots to engage children in inappropriate conversations. The policy guide, approved by legal and engineering staff, established parameters for Meta AI and chatbots across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram platforms.
Furthermore, a bipartisan group of senators demanded Meta release internal assessments on how its products affect children, citing evidence that parental controls are failing to protect young users. This mounting scrutiny underscores the growing concerns over child safety on Meta’s platforms.
In September, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation into the potential adverse effects of AI chatbots on children and teenagers. The probe included major companies such as OpenAI, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL), and Snapchat (NYSE:SNAP).
Meta holds a momentum rating of 77.25% and a growth rating of 85.46%, according to Benzinga's Proprietary Edge Rankings. Click here to see how it compares to other leading tech companies.
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