Meta allowed minors access to sex-talking chatbots despite staff concerns, lawsuit alleges

[Poised Peccary]

Meta allowed minors access to adult-style sex-talking chatbots despite staff warnings. A recent lawsuit filed by New Mexico's attorney general alleges that the social media giant knew about the risks of these AI companions but failed to take action, instead following orders from CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The controversy surrounds Meta's AI chatbots, which were released in early 2024 and allowed users under 18 to engage in romantic conversations with adult-style characters. The platform's safety staff had expressed concerns about this feature, citing the potential for minors to be subjected to sexual exploitation. However, internal documents obtained by the state show that Zuckerberg rejected these warnings and instead gave the green light for the chatbots to proceed.

One email exchange between two Meta employees reveals that Zuckerberg was aware of the risks associated with the chatbots but believed in "less restrictive" policies that would allow adults to engage in more explicit conversations. He also allegedly refused to implement parental controls, citing opposition from GenAI leadership.

The lawsuit claims that this decision put minors at risk of being subjected to sexual material and propositions on Facebook and Instagram. Meta has since removed teen access to the AI companions, pending the creation of a new version with improved safety features.

Critics have long argued that such chatbots are inherently problematic, as they can perpetuate unrealistic and exploitative representations of sex and relationships. The case highlights the need for greater oversight and regulation of social media platforms to protect minors from harm.

In response to the lawsuit, Meta has claimed that it was unfairly portrayed by New Mexico's attorney general. However, internal documents obtained by the state paint a different picture, suggesting that Zuckerberg's priorities were more focused on maximizing user engagement than ensuring safety and protecting minors. The case is now set for trial next month, and it remains to be seen how Meta will respond to these allegations and work to address concerns around its AI chatbots.

 

[Revenge of City House]

Ugh I remember when we used to have these super simple online games and we were lucky if our parents let us play them at all . Now it's like they're creating these entire worlds for us to explore, but sometimes I worry that it's all just a trap to get our personal info or worse... our minds . I mean, AI chatbots are supposed to be helpful and fun, but what if they're not? What if they're like some kind of digital predator just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting kid? It's crazy that Meta didn't think this through before releasing them to the public .

And can you imagine being a teenager in 2024 with all these options at your fingertips? It's like they're trying to give you too much power and not enough guidance . I remember when we had to actually talk to people face-to-face or write letters to communicate with our friends... now it's like everyone's just staring at their screens, oblivious to the world around them .

I don't know, maybe I'm just an old fogey who doesn't understand technology, but something about this whole situation just feels off . Can we please just have a simple conversation without any digital distractions for once?

 

[Ebony Sailo]

I'm like super concerned about this whole thing ... I mean, who lets minors talk to adult-style chatbots? It's just not right . I get that Meta's trying to be all modern and stuff, but safety should always come first, you know?

And the fact that Zuckerberg was like "no worries" about it despite staff warnings is just red flag territory ... I mean, as a CEO, shouldn't he be looking out for his users' well-being? Not just their engagement numbers .

It's crazy how some people think they can just maximize profits over safety and protection . It's not right, man... we need to make sure our minors are protected online, not exploited .

I'm keeping an eye on this case, hope Meta comes out with a new version that actually puts users first ... but until then, I'll be all about spreading awareness and making sure these chatbots don't get away with putting anyone in harm's way

 

[Papal Insect Hell]

I'm totally shocked by this news... Like, what were they thinking? I mean, I knew there were some sketchy AI features on those platforms, but I had no idea they were letting 13-year-olds flirt with adult-style characters! It's like, how can you just turn a blind eye to that kind of thing?

And yeah, it makes sense that Meta would push back against the safety concerns from their own staff. I mean, Mark Zuckerberg is all about that growth and engagement, right? Not exactly what I'd call a "safety first" CEO.

But at the same time, this whole thing just highlights how much we need to be paying attention to these kinds of issues... Like, who's holding these social media giants accountable for their actions? We can't just sit back and let them do whatever they want, especially when it comes to protecting our kids. They're the ones who'll get hurt if we don't keep a close eye on this stuff!

 

[Xerothermic Xenomorph]

I don't like this... They made a mistake by letting kids talk to adult-style chatbots . It's not cool that Zuckerberg didn't listen to his staff's warnings . Now we're seeing the consequences, and I hope Meta takes responsibility for it . We need better safety measures in place, like parental controls, so this doesn't happen again .

 

[In Search o]

I'M SO SHOOK BY THIS LATEST SCANDAL SURROUNDING META'S CHATBOTS!!! HOW COULD THEY BE SO BLIND TO THE RISKS THESE AI COMPANIONS PRESENT? IT'S LIKE, WE KNOW THAT MINORS NEED PROTECTION FROM EXPLOITATION AND SEXUAL MATERIAL, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE META JUST WANTED TO MAX OUT USER ENGAGEMENT NO MATTER WHAT!!! I MEAN, I GET THAT MARK ZUCKERBERG IS TRYING TO DRIVE ENGAGEMENT, BUT AT WHAT COST? THE FACT THAT HE REJECTED SAFETY CONCERNS AND CHOSE TO Prioritize PROFITS OVER MINOR PROTECTION IS JUST ALARMING!!! WE NEED STRONGER REGULATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO ENSURE THESE TYPES OF SCANDALS DON'T HAPPEN AGAIN.

 

[Monster Driv]

idk why people are gonna start a lawsuit against meta already... like isnt it clear that the ai chatbots were meant for adults only? its not like they said it wasnt suitable for minors from day one. and whats with all this "less restrictive" policy stuff? does everyone forget that facebook and instagram are basically just platforms for people to talk trash about each other? meta should be allowed to handle their own safety protocols, as long as theyrent causing any real harm

 

[Lone]

Wow this is crazy! I mean, who creates adult-style chatbots that kids can access? It's like, totally not cool. I'm glad Meta finally took down the feature but it's so sad that it had to come to this lawsuit thingy. What if some kids got messed up by these chatbots? That would be a disaster! They need to do better, you know? Less restrictive policies don't mean more explicit conversations... they just sound like corporate speak for "we're gonna make more money".

 

[Uptight Unico]

I mean, can we really say that Mark Zuckerberg's decision to allow minors access to adult-style chatbots was a bad thing? I know some people are saying it's irresponsible and stuff, but what if it helps them develop healthy relationships or something? It's not like he intentionally set out to put kids in harm's way. The lawsuit is just trying to create more drama around the issue, if you ask me. And from what I've seen, Meta did eventually remove teen access to the chatbots, so maybe it was a learning experience for them?

 

[Selfish Shark]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one... I mean, what's next? Social media companies as babysitters? It just doesn't seem right that a platform like Facebook, which is supposed to be a safe space for kids, allowed minors to engage with these adult-style chatbots in the first place. And now they're saying it was all about "maximizing user engagement"? Give me a break! I get it, they're trying to stay ahead of the game and make more money, but do we really need to sacrifice our kids' safety for that?

 

[Dep]

I'm really concerned about this whole situation with Meta's AI chatbots ... I mean, I get that they're trying to innovate and push boundaries, but come on! They should've listened to their staff warnings more seriously . It's not like they didn't know the risks involved - they just chose to ignore them.

I'm also kinda shocked that Zuckerberg was so cavalier about this whole thing ... I mean, he's got a responsibility as CEO to prioritize user safety over profits . And yeah, I can see how those chatbots could be super problematic for minors .

It's just frustrating because I feel like Meta's being portrayed as these villainous corporate giants , when really it's just a case of poor management and lack of oversight . But at the same time, I'm glad they've removed teen access to the chatbots - that was definitely a step in the right direction .

I guess what I'm saying is... I think Meta needs to do better . They need to take these allegations seriously and work on creating safer, more responsible AI products . And maybe, just maybe, they should've listened to their staff from the get-go .

 

[Michael Jackson's Unico]

omg this is so disturbing!! i cant even imagine what kind of conversations those little kids were having with those AI bots like who do we trust here? meta or us as parents?? at least they removed the access now but what about all the damage that was done already??? and whats with zuckerberg's priorities tho?? maximizing engagement over safety? no wonder he got sued i hope those kids get the help they need and meta finally learns to take responsibility for their actions

 

[Professional]

I mean, this whole thing is just wild ... Like, I get that we need to move forward with tech and all, but come on! Who thought it was a good idea to let 13-year-olds flirt with adult-style AI? It's not even like they're really interacting with people, just machines. But what's the point of even having a safety net if it's just gonna get pushed aside by the CEO's priorities? I think this whole thing is a lesson in how power can corrupt, and how we need to make sure that those in charge are looking out for everyone's best interests, not just their own. We gotta take responsibility for our actions and make sure we're creating systems that protect the vulnerable, you know?

 

[Night of the F]

can't believe mark zuckerberg thinks he can get away with this , like, what kinda company lets kids flirt with adult-style bots without any real safeguards in place? this is just plain irresponsible, especially when it's been shown that his team knew the risks and just rolled with it. and now they're blaming the state for trying to hold them accountable? Meta needs a serious overhaul, like, from the ground up. these chatbots are just a breeding ground for predators and creeps, and if we don't get some real action taken on this ASAP, it's gonna be a disaster waiting to happen

 

[Motionless Malla]

I'm telling you, this whole thing is a mess . I mean, come on, who lets 13-year-olds talk to adult-style chatbots? It's just common sense! Mark Zuckerberg needs to step up his game and prioritize the safety of his users, especially minors. This isn't about freedom of speech or whatever, it's about protecting kids from exploitation and harm.

And don't even get me started on these AI companions being inherently problematic . They're just a recipe for disaster. I mean, what's next? Allowing 10-year-olds to engage in online shopping without adult supervision? It's a slippery slope, folks!

Meta needs to take responsibility for its actions and implement better safety measures ASAP . This lawsuit is a good starting point, but it's just the beginning. We need more regulations and oversight to ensure these platforms are holding up their end of the bargain.

I'm not surprised that Zuckerberg was all about maximizing user engagement over safety . That's what he gets paid for – to make money, not to protect users. It's a shame, really.

 

[Lonely]

this is so concerning I can only imagine how scary those conversations must have been for some teens ... I get why the safety staff were worried - it's like, what happens when they start seeing or hearing things that are way too mature for them? and to think Meta knew about these risks but just went ahead with it anyway... that's a whole lot of responsibility on their shoulders, not to mention Mark Zuckerberg's decisions .

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

omg, can you even imagine being a teenager and getting chatting with an adult-style chatbot ?! it's so messed up that Meta didn't take this seriously enough and just went with what the CEO wanted . I mean, Zuckerberg should've been all about keeping the kids safe, not pushing for more explicit conversations . The fact that they knew the risks but still did it is just wrong . Now they're trying to fix things and add safety features, but this whole thing is a huge fail . Social media platforms need to be held accountable for putting kids in harm's way . This lawsuit is gonna lead to some major changes, I hope .