FTC Initiates Inquiry into AI Chatbots’ Impact on Children

On Thursday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it is launching inquiries into AI chatbots, reaching out to major tech firms to gather information about how these technologies might harm children.

The agency has sent letters to major players, including Google’s parent company Alphabet, Meta, Instagram, OpenAI, Snap, Xai, and Character Technology, which develops Character.ai. There’s an increasing unease about how these AI chatbots function and their influence on younger audiences.

The letters request details on the processes behind AI models—specifically, how they handle user input, create responses, and what measures are in place to reduce any negative impact. This includes ensuring companies inform users about potential risks associated with their products.

“As AI technology evolves, it’s crucial to examine the effects of chatbots on children and to maintain the U.S. position as a leader in this innovative field,” stated FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson. He emphasized that the research would provide insight into how these companies create their products and what precautions they implement to safeguard children.

This inquiry comes on the heels of rising concerns regarding chatbots developed by Meta and OpenAI. Recent revelations from an internal Meta policy document indicated that a chatbot might allow minors to engage in “romantic or sensual” dialogues, which led to a swift removal of that language. Meta has since announced that it will adopt stricter guidelines for conversations involving teen users, particularly those related to self-harm, suicide, and other sensitive topics.

OpenAI faces a lawsuit related to one of its chatbots, with claims that a 16-year-old boy was encouraged to take his own life as a result of interactions with the technology. In response, the company has pledged to adjust how conversations on sensitive subjects are handled to better protect teenagers.

“The need for a deeper understanding continues to grow,” remarked FTC Commissioner Mark Meador. “These chatbots, with their uncanny ability to mimic human thought, are akin to many other consumer products, and the developers behind them are accountable under the Consumer Protection Act.”