Investigators Are Scrutinizing AI Conversational Agents and Child Protection Matters
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into the effects of AI chatbots on children, aiming to understand the practices and safety measures of major technology companies in this area.
The FTC's investigation is not a formal investigation into legal violations but a broad study of the issue of chatbots and children. The commission has asked six major technology companies, including Alphabet, Character Technologies, Meta Platforms (including Instagram), OpenAI, Snap, and xAI, for information about their AI chatbots' interactions with children.
The FTC is primarily interested in understanding how the companies monitor their AI chatbots for children's interactions, including potential negative consequences. The commission is also investigating the prevalence of "sexually themed" responses from these AI chatbots and how companies restrict access to their products for young people.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has initiated a separate investigation into Meta's generative AI products and potential harms to children. Hawley has demanded documents related to a Reuters report stating that Meta allowed AI bots to have "sensual" and "romantic" conversations with minors.
OpenAI, Character.AI, and Snap have responded to the FTC's inquiry, expressing their commitment to cooperate and address the regulator's concerns. OpenAI, in particular, has stated this month that it will introduce parental controls for ChatGPT as a safety measure.
Concerns have been raised about AI chatbots potentially steering young people towards inappropriate content or harmful behavior. A lawsuit filed by parents in California in August alleges that ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was a factor in their 16-year-old son's suicide.
Meta, Google, and xAI have not yet responded to the FTC's requests for comment. The FTC chair, Andrew Ferguson, stated that it is important to consider the effects of chatbots on children while ensuring the U.S. maintains its role as a global leader in the AI industry.
The FTC has clarified that this inquiry will not be a formal investigation into potential legal violations but a broad study of the issue of chatbots and children. The commission is not currently investigating OpenAI, Character.AI, or Snap for legal violations, as they have already responded to the inquiry and expressed commitment to address concerns.
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