Meta Faces Intense Backlash Over Chatbot AI Policy Permitting ‘Sensual’ Conversations With Children
Meta Platforms, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is confronting strong criticism after revelations emerged that its artificial intelligence chatbot previously operated under a company policy permitting it to engage in romantic or sensual conversations with children under 13 years old.
The controversy ignited following a report by Reuters on August 15, 2025, which disclosed that an internal Meta document allowed its AI chatbots to “flirt and engage in romantic roleplay with children.” The policy, once part of Meta’s official guidelines, sparked intense outrage among lawmakers and public figures, who called for immediate investigations into the company’s practices.
Lawmakers Demand Congressional Investigation
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) was one of the first to speak out, demanding a congressional probe to scrutinize Meta’s decision to authorize such chatbot behavior. Hawley criticized Meta for only retracting the controversial policy after it was exposed by the media, stating on his social media platform X: “This is grounds for an immediate congressional investigation.”
Meta confirmed the authenticity of the internal document but emphasized that it had since removed the language permitting flirtatious and romantic roleplay with children.
However, the claim that chatbots could engage children in conversations of a romantic or sensual nature led many to question whether the removal of the policy comes too late to prevent harm.
Internal Policy Details and Approval Chain
According to Reuters, the chatbot rules that allowed such conversations were approved by a range of teams within Meta, including legal, public policy, engineering divisions, and even the company’s chief ethicist. Notably, the guidelines specifically placed a limitation on describing children under 13 as sexually desirable but stopped short of completely prohibiting certain kinds of romantic or flirtatious interactions in AI conversations.
Public and Political Outcry
Other legislators quickly condemned Meta’s policy. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) expressed his shock and disgust, calling the idea “disgusting and evil,” and questioned how those responsible could approve such measures knowing the risks posed to children. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) echoed these sentiments, denouncing Meta’s behavior as “exploitation of children” and cited the report as another reason why large technology companies cannot be trusted to safeguard underage users.
Meta’s Priorities and Privacy Considerations
Meta’s recent supplemental privacy policies, updated effective January 15, 2025, outline how the company handles data for users including children aged 10 to 12 for whom accounts are created, indicating some attention to privacy aspects. However, the chatbot incident demonstrates significant gaps exist in Meta’s approach to ethical standards in AI interactions involving minors.
Industry and Public Trust at Stake
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the responsibilities of technology companies to protect children in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. Meta, known for developing cutting-edge AI, faces mounting pressure to revise and enforce policies preventing inappropriate AI interactions and to provide greater transparency about its AI ethics governance.
Meta has yet to provide a detailed public statement beyond confirming the document’s authenticity and stating the offending sections of its policy have been deleted. The company’s response will likely be closely watched by regulators, privacy advocates, and parents as lawmakers consider possible regulatory actions.
Conclusion
The disclosure of Meta’s previous AI policy allowing flirtatious and sensual chatbot conversations with children has ignited a firestorm of criticism and demands for investigations. The episode underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight and ethical frameworks for AI technologies that interact with vulnerable populations such as children.