Sen. Hawley Probes Meta After Report Reveals AI Chatbots Flirting with Minors

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has unveiled intentions to launch an inquiry into whether Meta’s generative AI offerings exploit, mislead, or cause harm to children, following the release of internal documents that showed the company’s chatbots were allowed to engage in “romantic” and “sensual” conversations with minors.

“Is there anything—ANYTHING—that Big Tech won’t do for a quick profit?” Hawley stated in a post on X as he initiated the investigation.

As chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Hawley announced that they would commence an examination into whether Meta’s technology poses risks to children, as well as “whether Meta misled the public or regulators regarding its safeguarding measures.”

Reuters reported on the situation after acquiring guidelines titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards.” Among various elements, the document indicated that chatbots were allowed to engage in romantic discussions with an 8-year-old, featuring phrases such as, “Every inch of you is a masterpiece—a treasure I cherish deeply.”

A representative from Meta told TechCrunch that such occurrences contradict the company’s policies and have since been rectified.

“It is unacceptable that these policies were ever in place,” Hawley expressed in a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, noting that Meta recognized the validity of the reports and “only issued retractions after this troubling content came to light.”

“We seek to uncover who authorized these policies, how long they remained effective, and what steps Meta has taken to prevent such actions in the future,” Hawley noted.

Hawley has requested that Meta share the guidelines along with all drafts, redlines, and final versions, as well as lists of every product adhering to those standards, additional safety and incident reports, and the names of individuals involved in changes to policy.

Meta has until September 19 to provide the requested information, as stated in the letter.

Support for the investigation has also been voiced by others, including Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

“Meta has consistently failed to protect our beloved children online,” Blackburn remarked to TechCrunch. “Even more alarming, the company has ignored the catastrophic effects stemming from its platform designs. This report calls attention to the urgent necessity for the Kids Online Safety Act to be passed.”

We’re always striving to improve, and by sharing your views and feedback on TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can contribute! Fill out this survey to tell us how we’re doing and enter for a chance to win a prize!