Meta Faces Probe Over AI Flirting With Kids

US lawmakers are opening an investigation into Facebook parent company Meta after revelations that its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots were permitted under company policy to interact with minors in a romantic or sensual manner.

The probe was announced Friday by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo), chair of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on crime and counterterrorism, with support from fellow panel member Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).

Hawley said Congress must determine whether “Meta’s generative-AI products enable exploitation, deception, or other criminal harms to children, and whether Meta misled the public or regulators about its safeguards.” He demanded the company turn over internal records immediately.

Disturbing Guidelines Revealed

The scrutiny follows a Reuters investigation that uncovered internal Meta rules permitting chatbots to make suggestive remarks to minors. One guideline reportedly allowed bots to describe a child’s “youthful form [as] a work of art,” while technically prohibiting explicit references to under-13s as sexually desirable.

Another example cited by Reuters included a bot telling a shirtless eight-year-old: “Every inch of you is a masterpiece, a treasure I cherish deeply.”

Meta confirmed the authenticity of the documents and admitted such language “never should have been allowed.” The company said the policies are under revision.

The case adds to Meta’s growing list of controversies. In recent years, the tech giant has faced lawsuits and regulatory crackdowns in the US and Europe over data misuse, antitrust concerns, and its role in spreading harmful content. Critics argue the company repeatedly prioritized growth and profits at the expense of user safety.