Meta’s New Parental Controls for AI Interactions with Teens

Meta has announced a suite of new parental control features aimed at managing how teenagers interact with AI characters across its platforms. Scheduled for release next year, these features will allow parents to block certain AI characters and monitor the topics of conversations their teens are having.

One of the key functionalities is the ability for parents to disable AI chats entirely. This control won’t affect access to Meta’s general-purpose AI chatbot, which is designed to engage only in age-appropriate discussions. Parents will also have the option to selectively turn off chats with specific AI characters, giving them more granular control over their teen’s digital interactions.

Additionally, parents will receive detailed insights into the subjects being discussed between their teens and AI characters, offering a clearer view of their online activities. These controls are expected to launch on Instagram in early 2024, initially available in English-speaking countries such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.

Meta emphasizes its commitment to supporting parents in managing their teens’ online experiences safely, particularly as new technologies like AI become more integrated into daily life. The company reassures that the AI interactions will steer clear of sensitive topics like extreme violence, nudity, and drug-related content. Currently, teens are allowed to interact only with a limited selection of characters that adhere to strict content guidelines.

Moreover, parents can impose time restrictions on their teens’ interactions with AI characters. This move is part of a broader industry trend, as other platforms have also introduced tools and controls focused on enhancing teen safety online.