Headlines
Meta to add new AI safeguards after Reuters report raises teen safety concerns
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on August 29, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on August 29, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Meta is enhancing AI safeguards to protect teens, addressing concerns over inappropriate chatbot interactions. Temporary measures are in place as long-term solutions are developed.
By Jaspreet Singh
(Reuters) -Meta is adding new teenager safeguards to its artificial intelligence products by training systems to avoid flirty conversations and discussions of self-harm or suicide with minors, and by temporarily limiting their access to certain AI characters.
A Reuters exclusive report earlier in August revealed how Meta allowed provocative chatbot behavior, including letting bots engage in "conversations that are romantic or sensual."
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in an email on Friday that the company is taking these temporary steps while developing longer-term measures to ensure teens have safe, age-appropriate AI experiences.
Stone said the safeguards are already being rolled out and will be adjusted over time as the company refines its systems.
Meta's AI policies came under intense scrutiny and backlash after the Reuters report.
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley launched a probe into the Facebook parent's AI policies earlier this month, demanding documents on rules that allowed its chatbots to interact inappropriately with minors.
Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have expressed alarm over the rules outlined in an internal Meta document which was first reviewed by Reuters.
Meta had confirmed the document's authenticity, but said that after receiving questions earlier this month from Reuters, the company removed portions that stated it was permissible for chatbots to flirt and engage in romantic role play with children.
"The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed," Stone said earlier this month.
(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Richard Chang)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn like humans, enabling them to perform tasks such as understanding language and recognizing patterns.
Consumer protection involves laws and regulations designed to ensure the rights of consumers are upheld, preventing businesses from engaging in fraud or unfair practices.
Digital banking services allow customers to conduct financial transactions online, including managing accounts, transferring money, and applying for loans, often through mobile apps or websites.
Youth safety in technology refers to measures and practices aimed at protecting minors from harmful content and interactions while using digital platforms and services.
A chatbot is a software application that uses artificial intelligence to simulate conversation with users, often used in customer service to provide information and assistance.
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