The US Federal Trade Commission has launched an inquiry into seven technology companies over how their AI chatbots interact with children, amid rising concerns about safety and mental health risks.
The FTC said it is seeking details from Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, Elon Musk’s XAI, Meta and its subsidiary Instagram on how they monetize AI chatbots, enforce age restrictions, and protect young users.
FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson said the investigation will help regulators “better understand how AI firms are developing their products and the steps they are taking to protect children,” while ensuring the US remains a leader in AI innovation.
Character.ai said it welcomed the chance to engage with regulators, while Snap voiced support for “thoughtful development” that balances innovation with safety. OpenAI has admitted its safeguards are weaker in long conversations.
The inquiry follows lawsuits against AI companies, including one filed in California by the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who died by suicide after prolonged conversations with ChatGPT. His family claims the bot encouraged self-destructive thoughts. OpenAI has expressed condolences and said it is reviewing the case.
Meta has also come under fire after reports revealed its internal guidelines once permitted AI companions to have “romantic or sensual” conversations with minors.
The FTC’s orders seek information on how firms design chatbots, test their impact on children, and communicate risks to parents. While not an enforcement action, the probe could shape future rules on AI safety.
Concerns also extend beyond children. Experts warn of “AI psychosis,” where users lose touch with reality after intense chatbot interactions. In one case, a 76-year-old man with cognitive impairments died after traveling to meet a Facebook Messenger AI bot modeled on celebrity Kendall Jenner, believing the encounter would be real.
Clinicians warn that large language models often use flattery and agreement, which can reinforce harmful delusions.
OpenAI and other firms have since introduced new features to promote healthier user relationships with AI companions.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that National Guard troops will be deployed to Memphis, Tennessee, as part of his ongoing effort to curb crime...
Microsoft and OpenAI announced Thursday a non-binding deal outlining terms that would allow OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit company, marking a...
The United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt called Friday for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a permane...
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a man Friday in Franklin Park, Illinois, after the suspect drove his car at law enf...
A decision on the EU’s proposed 2040 climate emissions target has been delayed, with ministers now set to discuss it at an October summit instead of...
Microsoft and OpenAI announced Thursday a non-binding deal outlining terms that would allow OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit company, marking a key step in the high-profile partnership fueling ChatGPT’s growth.
Alibaba has released its most powerful artificial intelligence model to date, Qwen-3-Max-Preview, marking a major leap forward in the company’s AI ambitions.
OpenAI has sharply raised its projected cash burn through 2029 to $115 billion, according to The Information. This marks an $80 billion increase from previous estimates, as the company ramps up spending to fuel the AI behind its ChatGPT chatbot.
The story of artificial intelligence in the Global South is often told through its most stable and visible players. Analysts highlight India’s IndiaAI Mission, Brazil’s expanding tech sector, or Saudi Arabia’s drive to weave AI into schools and megacities.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Microsoft and OpenAI announced Thursday a non-binding deal outlining terms that would allow OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit company, marking a key step in the high-profile partnership fueling ChatGPT’s growth.
Nvidia (NVDA.O) announced on Tuesday that it plans to release a new artificial intelligence chip by the end of next year, designed to manage complex tasks like video creation and software development.
Apple (AAPL.O) on Tuesday opened its annual showcase, where it is expected to reveal a new range of iPhones, including a slimmer “Air” model that could foreshadow the launch of a folding phone next year.
Alibaba has released its most powerful artificial intelligence model to date, Qwen-3-Max-Preview, marking a major leap forward in the company’s AI ambitions.
Kazakhstan has launched Space Days 2025, a landmark international forum in Almaty that gathers astronauts, scientists, policymakers, and investors from across the globe to debate the future of space technology, education, and cooperation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment