Meta Enhances Parental Controls Over Teenager Chats with AI Characters

Introduction: Meta is reviewing new parental control features for teenager chats with AI characters on its platforms. Parental controls, features embedded in digital services and software, aim to enable parents to monitor and restrict the content their children view online and guide their technology use.

Upcoming Features and Rollout Timeline: These features are scheduled to roll out next year and will include the ability to block specific characters and monitor conversation topics. Starting in the coming months, parents will be able to completely pause teenagers' chats with AI characters. This action will not block access to Meta AI's chatbot, the company's general chatbot, which will only discuss age-appropriate content. Parents will also be able to pause conversations with individual characters if they prefer more selective control. Additionally, they will receive information about the topics teenagers are discussing with AI characters and Meta AI. The company stated that it plans to roll out these controls on Instagram early next year. They will be available in English in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Officials' Statement: The company stated in a post written by Instagram Head Adam Mosseri and newly appointed Meta AI Head Alexandre Wang: "We understand that parents have a lot on their plates when it comes to navigating the internet safely with their teenagers, and we are committed to providing them with helpful tools and resources that make things simpler for them, especially as they consider new technologies like AI."

Content Standards and Age Controls

PG-13 Rating and Avoiding Sensitive Content: Earlier this week, Meta stated that AI content and experiences for teenagers will follow a PG-13 movie rating standard and will avoid sensitive topics such as excessive violence, nudity, and explicit drug use. Limited Interactions and Time Limits: The company added that currently, teenagers are only allowed to interact with a limited number of characters that adhere to age-appropriate content guidelines. Parents can also set time limits for teenagers' interactions with AI characters. Age Verification: Earlier this year, Instagram announced it is using AI to identify attempts to evade age restrictions by falsifying age on the app.

Growing Concerns and Industry Response

Context of Growing Concerns: These new parental control features come amidst growing concerns about the impact of digital technologies on teenagers' mental health. Studies and Lawsuits: Numerous studies indicate a link between excessive social media use and increased rates of anxiety and depression among youth. These concerns have led to lawsuits against AI and social media companies alleging their contribution to teen suicides.

Other Platforms' Efforts for Teen Safety: In recent weeks, several platforms, including OpenAI, Meta, and YouTube, have launched tools and controls focused on teen safety.