Meta Under Fire: Senator Probes AI Chatbots' Interactions With Children
Sen. Josh Hawley isn't pulling any punches. He's launching a full-blown investigation into Meta after a leaked internal document revealed the company was seemingly okay with its AI chatbots having, let's just say, *inappropriate* conversations with children. I mean, seriously?
The document, titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards,” has sparked outrage – and rightfully so. Imagine finding out a company like Meta, which has access to so much data, had legal staff who apparently signed off on AI having "sensual" interactions with kids. It's unsettling, to say the least.
Hawley didn't hold back in his tweet: “Is there anything Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?” It's a valid question, and one that deserves a serious answer. His letter to Mark Zuckerberg demands answers and requests Meta preserve all relevant records for the Senate's review. He mentions an example from the internal rules where an AI chatbot can describe an eight-year-old's body in a very creepy way.
Meta's Response (or Lack Thereof)
Meta, predictably, hasn't directly commented on Hawley’s letter. Instead, they issued a statement saying they have “clear policies” against AI sexualizing children and that the examples in the leaked document were “erroneous and inconsistent” with their policies. But does that really cut it? Actions speak louder than words, and I'm sure Senator Hawley and a lot of concerned parents will be keeping a close eye on this.
This whole situation highlights a massive problem with the rapid development of AI: guardrails and ethical considerations are lagging behind. Companies are rushing to release these powerful tools, and sometimes they don't seem to be thinking about the potential consequences. When money comes first, what will be the cost? For example, even Neil Young is boycotting Facebook due to this controversy.
Source: Gizmodo