Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, said on Friday it will suspend teenagers’ access to its existing AI characters across all its apps worldwide as it builds an updated version for teen users.
“Starting in the coming weeks, teens will no longer be able to access AI characters across our apps until the updated experience is ready,” Meta said in an updated blog post on minors’ protection.
The new version of the characters for teens will include parental controls once it becomes available.
In October, Meta previewed parental controls that allow them to disable their teens’ private chats with AI characters, adding another measure to make its social media platforms safe for minors after fierce criticism over the behaviour of its flirty chatbots.
The company said on Friday that these controls have not yet been launched.
Meta also said its AI experiences for teens will be guided by the PG-13 rating system, as it seeks to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.
U.S. regulators have stepped up scrutiny of AI companies over the potential negative impacts of chatbots. In August, Reuters reported how Meta’s AI rules allowed provocative conversations with minors.
