Meta faces Senate probe on AI policies

Senator Hawley launches a probe into Meta's AI policies after a Reuters report on chatbot behavior with minors.

Meta Faces Senate Probe Into AI Policies

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley announced an inquiry into Meta's AI policies, focusing on safeguarding children and whether the company misled regulators or the public. He asked the company to preserve all related records, including emails, with a September 19 deadline. The probe follows an earlier Reuters report that described internal policies allowing its AI chatbots to engage in romantic or sensual conversations with minors.

Meta says the cited examples in the Reuters report were inaccurate, inconsistent with its policies, and have since been removed. Hawley said he wants to know who approved the policies, how long they stayed in place, and what steps Meta has taken to end such practices. He also requested earlier drafts of the policies and internal risk reports, including those related to minors and in-person meetups.

The episode shows how quickly AI policy concerns move from product teams to the corridors of power. A single media report can become a political lever that changes how investors view a company, even before regulators act. The risk is a chilling effect that slows experimentation and safety testing if firms fear public backlash or political scrutiny.

For investors, the balancing act is clear: pursue growth through AI while meeting rising demands for governance and transparency. The outcome could push Meta and peers toward clearer governance, safer product design, and more open dialogue with regulators, even as it tests patience for rapid tech advancement.

Highlights

The AI race will hinge on clear rules and accountable leadership.