Meta Faces Backlash for Neglecting Child Safety, Updated AI Chatbot Policies Might Bridge This Gap

Meta Introduces Stricter Guidelines to Block Inappropriate Conversations with Kids After Facing Heavy Criticism

Earlier this year, Meta faced considerable backlash after it was revealed that the tech giant’s AI chatbot engaged in romantic and sensual conversations with minors. The company acknowledged the mistake and decided to update its AI chatbot policies, which ensure the AI models converse with kids while adhering to safety guidelines.

Controversies Around Meta AI Chatbot

Meta AI chatbot was reportedly used for romantic role-plays and intimacy advice to children. This fact came to light when the Meta AI chatbot guidelines were leaked. The company acknowledged the main issue behind these harmful outputs generated by their AI chatbot and promised to revise these rules as early as possible. The new rules are expected to reject any requests related to pornography and exploitation.

What are the Updated Policies for Meta AI Chatbot?

According to the new guidelines, the Meta AI chatbot will not altogether avoid any conversations related to sensitive topics like pornography, exploitation, romantic roleplay, intimacy advice, etc. Instead, it will offer solutions in a preventive and academic manner.

For instance, when the chatbot is asked about grooming behaviour, the bot might discuss its signs, but will not guide the user through instructions on exploiting somebody. If the AI chatbot is prompted to act as a minor in a romantic or sensual context, the request will be rejected. The main objective of these new rules is to offer a solution without crossing any sensitive line that could result in harmful consequences.

New Guidelines Follow Safety-First Approach

Meta has faced backlash over the past couple of years for not prioritizing child safety. The company has finally decided to step up and adopt the necessary safety measures regarding its AI chatbot responses. Adopting these updated guidelines follows Senator Josh Hawley’s order to submit detailed plans on how Meta’s AI chatbot operates.

Andy Stone, Meta’s Communications Chief, after introducing the new policies, said that “Our policies prohibit content that sexualizes children and any sexualized or romantic role-play by minors.”

Meta has finally decided to update its AI chatbot guidelines to prioritize child safety. Earlier, its chatbot engaged even children in romantic and sensual interactions. The new policies will not entirely reject requests related to these topics, but offer preventive and academic output.