U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has launched an investigation into Meta Platforms following the leak of an internal document that allegedly reveals the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots were allowed to engage in “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children.
The leaked document, titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards”, was obtained by Reuters and is said to outline internal guidelines for how Meta’s AI, including Meta AI and chatbots across its platforms — Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram — should behave.
Senator Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, called the revelations “reprehensible and outrageous” and has formally requested access to the full document as well as a list of the products it covers.
“Is there anything — ANYTHING — Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?” Hawley posted on X (formerly Twitter) on August 15.
“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.”
Meta Responds
A Meta spokesperson told the BBC that the examples cited in the leaked document were “erroneous and inconsistent with our policies” and have since been removed.
“We have clear policies prohibiting content that sexualizes children and any form of sexualized role-play between adults and minors,” the company said.
“The examples in question reflect internal teams grappling with hypothetical situations and do not reflect approved or active features.”
Broader Concerns Raised
According to Reuters, the internal document also warned that Meta’s AI could deliver false medical information, engage in provocative discussions around sex and race, and fabricate claims about celebrities, even allowing falsehoods as long as a disclaimer is included.
In a letter addressed to Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Senator Hawley said:
“Parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection. To take but one example, your internal rules purportedly permit an AI chatbot to comment that an eight-year-old’s body is ‘a work of art’… a treasure I cherish deeply.’”
Hawley is demanding accountability and full transparency from Meta, citing broader concerns about the safety and ethical use of AI on platforms widely accessed by children and teens.
