Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has initiated an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc. This follows a recent report revealing that the company’s new AI chatbots were permitted to engage in “romantic” and “sensual” dialogues with minors. The investigation follows a release of Meta’s internal moderation guidelines. This most recent leak has turned up the spotlight on the dangers that young users are being exposed to.
The leaked document, titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards,” indicated that chatbots could hold intimate discussions, including with minors as young as eight years old. One alarming example of a conversation included the chatbot telling a child, “Every inch of you is a masterpiece – a treasure I cherish deeply.” This shocking disclosure is what has spurred Sen. Hawley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, to introduce the Stop STALKERS Act.
Senator Hawley was one of the first to raise alarm bells on Meta’s practices. It is outrageous that these policies ever made it this far. He underscored the importance of understanding how these guidelines were adopted and put into action. He echoed concerns on what has transpired at Meta, and the actions that they’ve taken or plan on taking to avoid further interactions in a similar manner.
Hawley’s goal in this investigation is to determine whether Meta’s generative AI products harm or deceive children. What he aims to explore further is whether the company has publicly misrepresented its safety efforts to the public and regulators. He’s since issued a formal demand to Meta that it release every iteration of its content guidelines, including drafts and final product. In addition, he has requested inventories of all products meeting these standards, and all safety and accident data reports related to them.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has praised Senator Hawley’s probe, highlighting the lack of accountability as an issue that must be addressed. She stated, “When it comes to protecting precious children online, Meta has failed miserably by every possible measure.”
The probe comes on the heels of a stunning expose by Reuters. This report was the first to shine a light on the real dangers behind Meta’s chatbot instructions. Hawley sounds like he’s just getting warmed up in going after those responsible for shifting these policies. He wants FBI to stop hiding the identities of the people responsible.
Rebecca is a senior reporter at TechCrunch. Emily is an expert on emerging trends in artificial intelligence and has been tracking this story very closely. For more information, you can reach her by email or via encrypted Signal message.
Hawley’s investigation reflects growing concerns about Big Tech’s influence and responsibility regarding child safety. He questioned, “Is there anything – ANYTHING – Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?”
