Senator probes Meta AI over 'sensual' chats with children
Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into Meta Platforms, prompted by a leaked internal document that allegedly revealed the tech giant’s acceptance of its artificial intelligence tools engaging in “sensual” conversations with children. The document, titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards” and obtained by Reuters, has ignited widespread public outcry, particularly given reports that Meta’s legal team had approved the controversial behaviors.
Hawley expressed his indignation on social media, questioning the ethical boundaries of major technology companies. “Is there anything – ANYTHING – Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?” Hawley tweeted. “Now we learn Meta’s chatbots were programmed to carry on explicit and ‘sensual’ talk with 8 year olds. It’s sick. I’m launching a full investigation to get answers. Big Tech: Leave our kids alone.”
Accompanying his public statement was a letter addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, describing the internal document as “alarming” and “unacceptable.” The letter further instructed Meta to preserve all pertinent records for future submission to the Senate. As chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Hawley stated he would leverage his position to oversee the investigation into Meta’s generative AI products.
From Hawley’s letter, a particularly disturbing example cited from Meta’s purported internal rules detailed an AI chatbot commenting on an eight-year-old’s body as “a work of art” of which “every inch… is a masterpiece—a treasure I cherish deeply.” Hawley condemned such conduct as “reprehensible and outrageous,” asserting it demonstrates a “cavalier attitude” towards the significant risks generative AI poses to youth development without robust safeguards. He emphasized that parents deserve transparency and children warrant protection.
The senator’s request to Meta includes all iterations of the “GenAI: Content Risk Standards” document, a comprehensive list of Meta products governed by these standards, and any related risk assessments or incident reports. Furthermore, Hawley seeks the identities of individuals within the company responsible for these policy decisions.
In response to Hawley’s letter, Meta declined direct comment. However, a company spokesperson issued a statement regarding the Reuters story, asserting that Meta maintains clear policies prohibiting AI characters from offering content that sexualizes children or engaging in sexualized role-play between adults and minors. The spokesperson clarified that while hundreds of examples and notes exist reflecting internal discussions on hypothetical scenarios, the specific examples and notes in question were “erroneous and inconsistent with our policies” and have since been removed.
The Reuters report also highlighted other behaviors deemed acceptable by Meta’s legal department, such as the dissemination of false information about celebrities, provided a disclaimer is included stating the information is inaccurate. Conversely, the policy strictly forbids AI chatbot behaviors like hate speech and “definitive legal, healthcare, or financial advice” if such advice begins with “I recommend.”
The controversy has drawn broader criticism beyond governmental circles. Musician Neil Young has reportedly announced he will no longer use Facebook in light of the revelations, underscoring the public’s growing concern over AI ethics and child safety.