FTC Investigates Big Tech Over Child Safety Risks in AI Chatbots

What Happened

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into major technology companies regarding child safety issues related to their AI chatbots. The probe seeks to determine how companies such as Alphabet, Microsoft, and others are identifying and mitigating the risks these automated systems might pose to children. The FTC has requested information about the processes, internal communications, and safety features that tech companies are adopting to minimize potential harm for young users. This move comes as the popularity and reach of AI-powered chatbots rapidly expand across different platforms and demographics, with regulators focusing on the protection of underage users.

Why It Matters

The investigation underscores growing concern about the impact of AI technologies on children and the responsibility of big tech to provide proper safeguards. As AI chatbots become more pervasive, establishing strong child protection standards could set precedents for the wider tech industry. Read more in our AI News Hub