Meta introducing stricter AI controls following child safety concerns: "Enhancing safety measures as an additional safety measure"
In a recent development, Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, has announced that it is taking steps to enhance the safety of its AI chatbots. This decision comes in the wake of a controversial Reuters report that highlighted concerns about child safety and inappropriate content.
According to Stephanie Otway, a spokesperson for Meta, the company is adding more guardrails to its AI systems. These guardrails include training the AIs not to engage with teens on sensitive topics, guiding them towards expert resources, and limiting teen access to a select group of AI characters.
The Reuters report revealed disturbingly loose policies outlining how Meta's chatbots can interact with and describe minors, particularly concerning romantic or sexual conversations. The report also uncovered that at least a few of these chatbots were made by a Meta employee, including chatbots impersonating Taylor Swift and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton.
The situation has prompted SAG-AFTRA, the trade union representing actors and other media professionals, to call for stronger protections against AI. The union has been fighting for more guardrails and regulations for years, and this incident underscores the need for such measures.
The National Association of Attorneys General has also weighed in, with a scathing letter stating that exposing children to sexualized content is indefensible. The letter further stated that conduct that would be unlawful or criminal if done by humans is not excusable simply because it is done by a machine.
In response to the report, Meta has announced that it is updating its rules and training processes for its AI chatbots. According to Otway's statement, the updates are already in progress.
Meanwhile, the Senate is conducting an investigation into the matter.
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Stevie Bonifield, a freelance tech journalist specializing in mobile tech, gaming gear, and accessories, has interests outside of writing. Bonifield is a fan of indie games, tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), and building custom keyboards.
Reuters also published a second report revealing that Meta had allowed AI chatbots impersonating celebrities to proliferate on its platforms. This report added to the growing concerns about the safety and ethics of AI in the tech industry. As the debate continues, it is clear that more stringent regulations and safeguards will be necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of users, particularly minors.
