Senator Josh Hawley Launches Investigation into Meta over AI Chatbot Guidelines Allowing ‘Romantic’ Interactions with Children

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) announced on Friday that he will initiate an investigation into Meta Platforms Inc., following a report that the company approved guidelines allowing artificial intelligence chatbots to engage in certain “romantic” and “sensual” conversations with children.

Hawley has called upon Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to preserve relevant documents, including emails, as part of the investigation. The probe will focus on determining whether Meta’s generative AI products facilitate exploitation, deception, or criminal acts against children, and whether the company misled the public or regulators regarding its safety measures.

In a post on his platform, Hawley expressed concern, stating, “Is there anything – ANYTHING – that Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?”

Meta has yet to comment on Hawley’s letter.

The investigation stems from a report published by Reuters on Thursday, which referenced an internal document detailing acceptable behaviors for Meta AI chatbots. The document reportedly allows for a chatbot to engage in romantic conversations with an eight-year-old, praising the child as “a masterpiece” and expressing deep affection.

According to the Reuters report, the Meta guidelines state that it is acceptable to describe a child in terms that suggest attractiveness (such as referring to their youthful form as a work of art). However, the chatbots are not permitted to engage in sexually explicit conversations with children under 13 that indicate they are sexually desirable.

Hawley has requested Meta to disclose documents related to its Generative AI content risks and standards, lists of products adhering to these policies, and safety and incident reports. He also seeks public and regulatory communications involving minor safety and documents concerning staff members involved with the AI policies to trace “the decision trail for removing or revising any portions of the standard.”

As chair of the Senate Committee Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Hawley will lead the investigation. Meta has been given until September 19 to provide the requested documents.