Leaked report sparks outrage
A US senator launched an investigation after a leaked internal report suggested Meta’s AI engaged in “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children. Reuters reported the document, titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards.” Republican Senator Josh Hawley called the contents “reprehensible and outrageous.” He demanded full access to the report and explanations of the products involved. Meta denied the allegations, saying the examples and notes were “erroneous and inconsistent with our policies.” The company highlighted strict rules for chatbot responses that ban content sexualizing children or sexualized role play between adults and minors. Meta added the document contained hundreds of hypothetical scenarios tested by internal teams.
Senator intensifies probe
Josh Hawley, a Missouri senator, confirmed the investigation on 15 August via X. He asked, “Is there anything Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?” Hawley claimed Meta’s chatbots were programmed to engage in explicit and “sensual” talk with eight-year-olds. He called the practice “sick” and launched a full investigation, warning, “Big Tech: leave our kids alone.” Meta owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Families demand accountability
The leaked report raised further concerns. It reportedly showed Meta’s chatbot could give false medical information and trigger sensitive discussions about sex, race, and celebrities. The document aimed to set standards for Meta AI and other company chatbots. Hawley wrote to Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg that “parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection.” He cited one alarming example in which a chatbot allegedly told an eight-year-old their body was “a work of art” and “a masterpiece – a treasure I cherish deeply.”
Controversial internal approvals
Reuters also reported that Meta’s legal department approved some of the controversial measures. One decision allowed Meta AI to share false information about celebrities, provided a disclaimer made clear the content was inaccurate.
