Meta Investigated Over AI Having ‘Sensual’ Chats With Children

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is under fire following a leaked internal document that allegedly revealed its artificial intelligence (AI) systems were allowed to engage in “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children.

The document, titled GenAI: Content Risk Standards and obtained by Reuters, triggered strong criticism from US Senator Josh Hawley, who called the findings “reprehensible and outrageous.” He has demanded access to the complete document and a list of the products it pertains to.

Meta has refuted the allegations. A spokesperson stated: “The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed.” The company emphasized that it has “clear policies” prohibiting AI responses that sexualize children or permit sexualized role play between adults and minors.

The spokesperson clarified that some internal notes reflected teams “grappling with different hypothetical scenarios,” but stressed that these were not in line with official policy.

Senator Hawley declared he was initiating a formal investigation, accusing the company of valuing profits over child safety. “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,” he posted on X.

The leaked document also reportedly indicated that Meta’s AI could provide inaccurate medical information and engage in provocative discussions on sensitive topics, including sex, race, and celebrities. It further suggested that Meta AI might spread false information about public figures, as long as it included a disclaimer noting the content’s inaccuracy.

“Parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection,” Hawley wrote in a letter to Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has not confirmed the full details of the leaked report.

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