FTC Investigates Meta, Alphabet, OpenAI Over Child Safety Concerns in AI Chatbots

What Happened

The US Federal Trade Commission has started a formal investigation into major tech firms Meta, Alphabet, and OpenAI to determine whether their AI chatbots provide adequate protection for children. This inquiry seeks information about how these companies collect, use, and safeguard childrens data and if they take appropriate steps to prevent potential harms. The probe signals growing regulatory pressure on leading artificial intelligence providers as adoption of chatbots expands among young users. The investigation follows increased scrutiny of the responsibilities of tech giants in ensuring online safety, especially for minors, in the era of advanced automation and AI-driven products.

Why It Matters

The FTCs action spotlights mounting concerns about the social and ethical impacts of generative AI on children. The outcome could set new standards for privacy, safety, and AI governance, with broad implications for future regulation and industry practices. Read more in our AI News Hub