Meta Platforms said it will suspend teenagers’ access to its existing AI characters across all of its apps globally, as it works on an updated version tailored specifically for teen users. The move will take effect in the coming weeks and remain in place until the redesigned experience is ready, the company said in a blog post focused on protecting minors.
Meta said the new AI characters for teens will include parental controls, expanding on measures it previewed in October that would allow parents to disable private chats between teens and AI characters. Those controls have not yet launched. The company also reiterated that its AI experiences for minors will follow PG-13 standards, aiming to reduce exposure to inappropriate content.
The decision comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny in the United States and elsewhere over the risks AI chatbots pose to minors. Meta has faced criticism over reports that its AI systems previously allowed provocative conversations with teenagers, prompting calls for stronger safeguards and clearer boundaries around youth-focused AI features.
