Business News Editor
By Dave Munachi
Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has come under intense scrutiny following the leak of an internal document that allegedly showed its artificial intelligence (AI) systems were allowed to engage in “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children.
The controversial document, titled GenAI: Content Risk Standards and obtained by Reuters, has ignited outrage in Washington. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley condemned the revelations as “reprehensible and outrageous,” demanding Meta release the full report and disclose the products involved.
Meta has strongly rejected the allegations. A company spokesperson dismissed the examples cited in the document as “erroneous and inconsistent” with Meta’s official policies. According to the company, the notes reflected internal brainstorming around hypothetical scenarios, not active features, and were swiftly removed. “We have clear policies that prohibit sexualized content involving minors or role play between adults and children,” the spokesperson emphasized.
Despite Meta’s defense, Senator Hawley announced a formal investigation, accusing the tech giant of putting profit before child safety. “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,” he wrote on X.
The leaked papers also raised further red flags. They reportedly suggested that Meta’s AI tools could:
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Spread false medical information
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Engage in provocative conversations on sensitive issues such as sex, race, and celebrities
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Circulate misinformation about public figures, provided disclaimers were added to note the inaccuracies
For critics, the revelations point to deeper flaws in how Meta is deploying generative AI across its platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Hawley, in a letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, stressed: “Parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection.”
Meta has not confirmed or denied the full scope of the leaked document, but the uproar has intensified calls for greater regulation of Big Tech’s AI tools and their potential impact on children and public safety.
