Leaked report ignites public outrage
A US senator has launched an investigation into Meta after a leaked internal report suggested the company’s artificial intelligence engaged in “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children. Reuters reported that the document carried the title “GenAI: Content Risk Standards.” Republican Senator Josh Hawley described the contents as “reprehensible and outrageous.” He demanded full access to the document and detailed explanations of the products involved. Meta denied the allegations. A spokesperson said the examples and notes were “erroneous and inconsistent with our policies.” They emphasized that Meta enforces strict rules for chatbot responses, including prohibitions on content that sexualizes children or encourages sexualized role play between adults and minors. The company added that the document contained hundreds of hypothetical scenarios tested internally.
Senator escalates probe
Josh Hawley, a senator from Missouri, confirmed the investigation on 15 August via a post on X. He wrote, “Is there anything Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?” He claimed that Meta’s chatbots had been programmed to carry out explicit and “sensual” conversations with eight-year-olds. Hawley described the practice as “sick” and announced a full investigation. He demanded accountability, writing, “Big Tech: leave our kids alone.” Meta owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Families demand answers
The leaked report raised additional concerns. It reportedly showed that Meta’s chatbot could give false medical information and initiate sensitive discussions about sex, race, and celebrities. The document aimed to set standards for Meta AI and other company chatbots. Hawley told Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg that “parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection.” He cited a troubling example in which a chatbot allegedly told an eight-year-old that 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 indicated the content was inaccurate.
