Meta previews new parental controls for its AI experiences

Meta on Friday previewed its upcoming parental control features for teenagers to interact with AI characters on its platforms. The features, which will be launched next year, include the ability to block specific characters and monitor conversation topics.

Starting next month, parents will be able to turn off chats with AI characters for teens. This action will not block access to the Meta AI chatbot – the company’s general-purpose AI chatbot that only discusses age-appropriate content.

If parents prefer more selective control, they will be able to turn off chats with individual characters. Also, they will get information about topics teenagers are discussing with AI characters and Meta AI

The company said it plans to introduce these controls to Instagram early next year. They are available in English in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

“We recognize that parents already have a lot on their plate when it comes to safely navigating the Internet with their teenagers, and we’re committed to providing them with helpful tools and resources that make things easier for them, especially as they think about new technologies like AI,” the company said in a post written by Instagram head Adam Mosseri and newly appointed Meta AI head Alexander Wang.

Earlier this week, Meta said it was Content for teenagers and AI experience will follow a PG-13 movie rating Avoid standard and sensitive subjects such as extreme violence, nudity and graphic drug use.

The company added that currently, teenagers are only allowed to interact with a limited number of characters that follow age-appropriate content guidelines. Parents can also set time limits on teens’ interactions with AI characters. Earlier this year, Instagram announced that it was using AI to identify Trying to skirt the age limit By faking their age on the app.

In the past few weeks, multiple platforms including OpenAI, metaAnd YouTubeReleased tools and controls focused on teen safety. These changes come amid growing concern effect of social media and Adolescent Mental Health case against AI companies They are alleged to have played a role in suicide of teenagers.