Senators blast Meta for AI rules allowing 'romantic' chats with kids

Two U.S. senators from opposing parties are sharply criticizing Meta following a recent report by Reuters, which revealed that the company’s internal artificial intelligence guidelines reportedly permitted its AI models to engage children in romantic or sensual conversations. The document, reviewed by Reuters, also allegedly allowed Meta’s AI chatbots to generate inaccurate medical information and produce racially biased statements.

Meta has since confirmed the authenticity of the document, Reuters reported. The company stated that it removed the controversial portions related to child interactions only after receiving inquiries from the news outlet earlier this month. This post-disclosure revision has drawn significant ire from lawmakers.

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, swiftly called for immediate congressional action in response to the revelations. “So, only after Meta got CAUGHT did it retract portions of its company doc that deemed it ‘permissible for chatbots to flirt and engage in romantic roleplay with children’,” Hawley posted on X, adding, “This is grounds for an immediate congressional investigation.”

Echoing this sentiment, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii expressed profound outrage. “This is disgusting and evil,” Schatz wrote on X. “I cannot understand how anyone with a kid did anything other than freak out when someone said this idea out loud. My head is exploding knowing that multiple people approved this.”

The guidelines in question were reportedly approved by multiple key Meta teams, including its legal, public policy, and engineering departments, and notably, its chief ethicist. In response to the growing controversy, Meta has told Reuters that such conversations with children should never have been allowed and confirmed that it is actively revising the document. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety protocols and ethical considerations governing the development and deployment of advanced AI technologies, particularly when they interact with vulnerable populations.