FTC Probes AI Companion Chatbots Over Risks to Kids and Ethics

What Happened

The Federal Trade Commission has opened an inquiry into AI companion chatbots following reports of potential harm to children. With chatbots growing in popularity as digital friends and personal assistants, regulators are concerned about exposure to inappropriate content, data privacy risks, and manipulation. The investigation will review how companies handle children\’s data, whether they employ safeguards to prevent misuse or exploitation, and if current practices comply with US privacy laws. The FTC\’s scrutiny signals a push to ensure transparency and ethical oversight in the rapidly developing AI chatbot industry, especially when minors are involved.

Why It Matters

This probe underscores increasing alarm over the social and ethical consequences of AI-powered products for children. As advanced chatbots become more pervasive in daily life, regulatory action could set new industry standards, influence future legislation, and force tech companies to improve safety mechanisms and transparency for all users, especially minors. Read more in our AI News Hub