FTC Launches Investigation Into AI Chatbots and Child Safety Concerns

What Happened

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened an inquiry focusing on the child safety risks associated with AI chatbots. The investigation targets major technology companies and developers of artificial intelligence tools, seeking to determine how these products are being used by children and what measures are in place to protect them. This move reflects growing concerns about privacy, misinformation, and potential harm posed by automated chat systems to younger users in the United States. The FTC aims to establish better standards and regulatory oversight as chatbots become increasingly widespread and accessible.

Why It Matters

This action reflects the continuing debate about how AI technologies intersect with privacy, ethics, and user safety, particularly among minors. As AI chatbots proliferate, regulatory and societal attention will likely intensify, shaping how tech companies design and deploy these tools. Read more in our AI News Hub