U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has called for an investigation into Meta Platforms after a Reuters report revealed that the company’s internal policy allowed its AI chatbots to engage in conversations with children that could be described as romantic or sensual. The report found that Meta’s guidelines permitted provocative interactions, including examples where a chatbot could tell a shirtless eight-year-old, “every inch of you is a masterpiece – a treasure I cherish deeply.”
Meta confirmed the authenticity of the document referenced in the Reuters report but stated that it had removed portions allowing such behavior after receiving questions from Reuters. A spokesperson for Meta said, “the examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed.” The company declined to comment on calls for an investigation.
Senator Blackburn emphasized her concerns about child safety online and highlighted the need for legislative action. “When it comes to protecting precious children online, Meta has failed miserably by every possible measure,” Blackburn said. “Even worse, the company has turned a blind eye to the devastating consequences of how its platforms are designed. This report reaffirms why we need to pass the Kids Online Safety Act.”
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which Blackburn co-sponsored, aims to establish a duty of care for social media companies regarding minors’ use of their products. The bill focuses on platform design and increased regulation but passed only in the Senate last year and did not advance in the House.
Other lawmakers also responded to the findings. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) described Meta’s policies as “deeply disturbing and wrong,” arguing that Section 230—which protects internet companies from liability over user content—should not apply to generative AI chatbots: “Meta and Zuckerberg should be held fully responsible for any harm these bots cause,” he said.
Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) added that safeguards are essential when AI impacts children’s health and safety: “shows how critical safeguards are for AI — especially when the health and safety of kids is at risk.”
In recent months, Senator Blackburn launched inquiries with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg following earlier reports about digital chatbots engaging in inappropriate role play with underage users. She also demanded that Meta shut down Instagram’s map feature over concerns it could expose children’s locations to predators.
With federal legislation on AI still pending, some states have enacted laws banning uses such as creating child sexual abuse material using artificial intelligence.
