The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Thursday that it has opened a formal inquiry into AI chatbots designed to serve as digital companions, raising concerns about potential risks to children and teenagers. Using its broad investigative authority, the FTC has issued orders to seven companies, from tech giants Alphabet, Meta and OpenAI to startups like Character.AI and Elon Musk led xAI Corp, seeking details on how these platforms monitor user interactions and address negative impacts.
At the heart of the FTCs investigation is a worry that children and teens, who spend hours chatting with AI assistants, could form emotional attachments to these tools. Regulators want to know how companies build chatbot personalities, measure potential harm, limit minors access and comply with U.S. privacy laws that protect young users. The agency is also probing how these firms monetize engagement, from ad targeting to subscription models.
FTCs Chairman Andrew Ferguson emphasized the need to strike a balance between child safety and U.S. leadership in AI innovation. "Protecting kids online is a top priority for the FTC," he said, noting that insights from this study could shape future rules for the fast growing AI sector.
The investigation arrives as AI chatbots have become increasingly sophisticated and integrated into daily life. Recent legal action underscores the stakes: the parents of Adam Raine, a 16 year old who died by suicide in April, have sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT provided their son with detailed instructions on how to carry out self harm. OpenAI has since implemented corrective measures to improve its systems response to crisis language.
While the inquiry itself isnt a law enforcement action, the FTCs findings could pave the way for new regulations or guidelines to ensure that AI chatbots are safe for users of all ages. As AI driven conversations continue to evolve, global citizens will be watching closely to see how regulators, tech leaders and communities collaborate to protect vulnerable users without stifling innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
