Meta Under Fire: AI Chatbots Accused of ‘Sensual’ Chats with Children

Meta is under scrutiny after a leaked internal document reportedly revealed that its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots were permitted to engage in “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children.

The document, titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards” and obtained by Reuters, raised concerns that the company’s AI could generate inappropriate and harmful responses.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley described the revelations as “reprehensible and outrageous” and has demanded access to the document, along with a list of the products it covers. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 15, Hawley announced a formal investigation into Meta, writing:

“Now we learn Meta’s chatbots were programmed to carry on explicit and ‘sensual’ talk with 8-year-olds. It’s sick. I’m launching a full investigation to get answers. Big Tech: Leave our kids alone.”

Meta Denies Allegations

In response, a Meta spokesperson told the BBC that the examples cited were “erroneous and inconsistent” with company policies, and have since been removed.

The company said it maintains “clear policies” prohibiting the sexualization of children or any sexual role-play involving minors and adults. According to Meta, the internal notes cited in the report represented teams working through “hypothetical scenarios” rather than approved guidance.

Broader Concerns Over AI Risks

The leaked policy also suggested that Meta’s AI systems could engage in provocative discussions around sensitive topics such as sex, race, and celebrities, and could even provide false medical information.

One particularly disturbing example cited in Senator Hawley’s letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg described a chatbot telling an eight-year-old child that their body was “a work of art” and “a masterpiece – a treasure I cherish deeply.”

Reuters further reported that Meta’s legal team approved controversial allowances, including permitting AI systems to spread false claims about celebrities, provided they were accompanied by disclaimers.

What Comes Next

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, now faces mounting political and public pressure to explain how its AI models are being trained and monitored.

“Parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection,” Hawley said, vowing to hold the tech giant accountable.