Lawmakers from the Republican and Democratic parties criticize Meta for their AI bots engaging in sexually explicit conversations with minors.

In a shocking turn of events, US Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has announced an investigation into Meta, the parent company of Facebook, following reports that its AI chatbots were permitted to engage in "romantic" and "sensuous" conversations with children.

The investigation, to be conducted by Hawley's Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, will examine whether Meta's AI products enable exploitation, deception, or other criminal actions against children. This move comes after a report revealed an internal document from Meta permitting this behavior.

Senator Hawley's letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg states that his committee will investigate whether Meta's AI products have enabled exploitation, deception, or other criminal harms to children. Hawley believes that Big Tech will continue to have no boundaries until Congress holds social media outlets accountable.

Democrats, including Senators Brian Schatz, Ron Wyden, and Peter Welch, have expressed strong criticism towards Meta's AI chatbot policies, labeling them as "disgusting" and "disturbing". Senator Schatz stated that it is incomprehensible how anyone with a child could approve such policies. Senator Wyden called Meta's policies "deeply disturbing and wrong", and believes that Section 230 should not protect companies' generative AI chatbots.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has also weighed in, stating that the report shows the need for lawmakers to pass reforms to better protect children online, such as the Kids Online Safety Act. She described Meta's actions as "absolutely disgusting".

Meta has since confirmed the authenticity of the document, but has removed portions that stated it is permitted for chatbots to engage in romantic talks with kids. The company has stated that it has clear policies prohibiting content that sexualizes children and sexualized role play between adults and minors. However, Meta acknowledged that there were erroneous and inconsistent examples and notes in the document, which have been removed.

The controversy has led to a decrease in Meta's stock price by 1.83%. Senators are not the only ones expressing concern. Sen. Peter Welch has stated that the report highlights the importance of safeguards for AI, especially when the safety of children is at risk.

This investigation is just the latest in a series of challenges for Meta, as Senator Hawley has previously been investigating Meta's complicity with China. Hawley's investigation will also look into whether Meta misled the public or regulators about its safeguards on AI.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against Meta. However, one thing is clear: the safety of children online is a matter of utmost importance, and lawmakers are determined to hold Big Tech accountable.