Jan 23 (Reuters) – Meta Platform (META.O) announced on Friday that it will suspend access to existing AI characters by teenagers in all of its apps worldwide as it builds an updated version of the app for teenage users.
“In the coming weeks, teens will no longer have access to AI characters across our apps until an updated experience is ready,” Mehta said in an updated blog post about protecting minors.
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New versions of characters for teens will come with parental controls as soon as they become available.
In October, Meta previewed parental controls that allow teens to disable private chats with AI characters, adding another measure to make its social media platforms safe for minors, following heavy criticism over its flirtatious chatbot behavior.
The company said Friday that these regulations have not yet been introduced.
Meta also said that the AI experience for teens will be offered under the PG-13 movie rating system to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.
U.S. regulators are increasing scrutiny of AI companies over the potential negative effects of chatbots. Reuters reported in August how Meta’s AI rules allow provocative conversations with minors.
Reporting by Juvie Babu in Mexico City. Editing: Alan Barona
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