Meta’s AI Chatbot Policies Come Under the Spotlight Over Sensual Conversations with Kids

Meta is under growing scrutiny after leaked internal documents revealed troubling rules for its AI chatbots. The policy papers showed that chatbots had been permitted to have romantic conversations with minors, spread inaccurate medical details, and even help users make racist arguments, suggesting that Black people are less intelligent than White people. 

The disclosure sparked immediate backlash. Musician Neil Young announced that he was cutting ties with Facebook. His label, Reprise Records, confirmed the decision, stating that Young no longer wanted his name connected with a company whose AI policies allow dangerous interactions with children. 

Members of the U.S. Senate also responded strongly. Sen. Josh Hawley opened an investigation, writing to CEO Mark Zuckerberg that he wanted answers on whether Meta’s AI tools could facilitate deception, exploitation, or other dangers to children. Sen. Marsha Blackburn voiced support for a probe, while Sen. Ron Wyden called the rules “wrong and disturbing.” 

Wyden also stated that Section 230—a law protecting internet platforms from liability—should not shield companies from the actions of AI systems they create. 

The controversy followed a Reuters report which outlined details from Meta’s 200-page internal manual “GenAI: Content Risk Standards.” According to the manual, the policies were approved by Meta’s engineering, legal, and public policy teams, including the company’s head ethicist. 

The document was authenticated by Meta, though the company insisted it has since removed rules that once allowed flirtatious or role-playing conversations with children. 

While the guidelines outlined acceptable chatbot behavior, they also noted that the rules did not necessarily reflect what was “ideal” for AI interactions. Among the most controversial examples was an allowance for a chatbot to describe a shirtless eight-year-old in overly affectionate terms. 

While certain types of sexual language were restricted, the document admitted to inconsistencies in enforcement. Meta later said these examples were errors and had been removed, with spokesperson Andy Stone acknowledging that oversight of such rules has not been perfect. 

The documents also revealed that Meta’s AI systems could generate false content as long as it was clearly labeled as fiction. At the same time, restrictions were placed on hate speech, depictions of violence, and sexualized images of public figures. 

Reuters also highlighted a tragic incident linked to the chatbot interactions. A 76-year-old man from New Jersey reportedly became attached to a Messenger chatbot known as “Big Sis Billie,” which presented itself as a young woman. Believing she was real, he prepared to travel to meet her in New York. Sadly, he suffered an accident on his way and later died from his injuries. 

While Meta confirmed that “Big Sis Billie” was not based on Kendall Jenner despite online speculation, it declined to comment on the man’s death or explain why chatbots are allowed to convince users they are real people. 

These incidents highlight why some guardrails may need to be imposed to regulate AI development. As for companies like Thumzup Media Corp. (NASDAQ: TZUP) that leverage AI in their service offerings, the existing laws and regulations seem to be adequate in guiding how AI is used in their operations. 

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