Meta has announced a global pause on teen access to AI characters across all its apps, citing the need for an updated version. This decision follows mounting scrutiny over the company’s commitment to protecting minors from online exploitation. As part of its broader strategy, Meta aims to enhance parental controls, allowing guardians to monitor and restrict interactions with AI characters.
Initially, Meta introduced features that would help parents oversee their teens’ experiences, including blocking certain topics deemed inappropriate, such as extreme violence and nudity. The upcoming AI characters are set to provide age-appropriate responses focused on education, sports, and hobbies.
The decision to halt access aligns with ongoing legal challenges Meta faces, including a trial regarding social media’s impact on mental health. As competitors like Character.AI and OpenAI implement new safety protocols, Meta is also responding to calls for greater oversight and accountability regarding teen interactions with AI technology.
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