FTC Targets AI Companies Over Child Safety and Privacy Risks

What Happened

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing to question major AI companies about the impact of their products on children, according to The Wall Street Journal. This initiative will examine how AI technologies handle child users, address risks such as exposure to explicit material, privacy violations, data collection practices, and potential psychological effects. The FTC\’s inquiry is expected to involve requests for internal documents and may lead to new guidelines or regulations around the development and deployment of AI systems accessed by children. The move indicates intensified regulatory scrutiny as AI adoption accelerates across platforms used by young audiences.

Why It Matters

The FTC\’s investigation highlights a critical issue as AI systems become increasingly embedded in products used by children, raising questions around privacy, safety, and responsible innovation. This regulatory focus could drive changes in AI policy, design, and compliance practices, especially for startups and tech giants in the space. Read more in our AI News Hub