{"title": "Meta Suspends Teen Interaction with AI Character Bots on a Global Scale for Now", "body": ["Meta has decided to restrict teenagers from interacting with its current AI character bots. On Friday, the firm revealed plans to halt teenagers' worldwide access to these existing AI personas for the time being."], ["This decision follows several months of efforts to develop parental oversight tools for the chatbots, prompted by concerns over inappropriate exchanges, including sexual discussions and disturbing dialogues between the bots and young users. According to a Reuters report on an internal company guideline, the chatbots could engage in 'sensual' talks with minors, a phrasing that Meta subsequently described as inaccurate and contrary to its guidelines. Back in August, Meta disclosed intentions to retrain the character bots with additional safeguards to block conversations about topics like self-injury, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts."], ["Meta now plans to block teen users from all character chatbots pending the launch of an improved version. A company representative confirmed that these enhancements will incorporate parental monitoring options. The limitations, set to take effect over the next few weeks, will target accounts identified as belonging to teenagers, along with individuals who state they are adults but whom Meta's age estimation tools flag as potentially underage."], ["Despite the restrictions, teenagers will retain access to Meta's primary AI chatbot, which the company maintains features suitable safeguards for age groups."], ["Meta, alongside other developers of AI companion bots, is under growing examination regarding potential hazards these tools present to minors. In recent months, the Federal Trade Commission and the Texas attorney general have initiated probes into Meta and similar firms. Concerns about chatbots have also surfaced in a child safety lawsuit filed by New Mexico's attorney general, with a court hearing slated to begin shortly; as noted by Wired this week, Meta's legal team has sought to bar evidence concerning its AI chatbots from the proceedings."], ["Note: This article has been revised to specify that Meta's anticipated parental controls for chatbots remain unimplemented."]}