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Instagram is rolling out a suite of parental controls aimed at limiting how teenagers interact with AI chatbots on Meta’s platforms. The move gives parents more oversight and the ability to block private AI conversations while preserving access to core Meta AI features.
What’s changing — and how it works
Meta is developing tools that allow parents to fully block their teen’s access to AI chatbots in private conversations. When enabled, a teen won’t be able to chat privately with Meta-powered AI characters, though they may still use the main Meta AI experience. Parents can also choose to restrict access to specific AI personas rather than apply a blanket block.
- Block private AI chats entirely for teens
- Restrict access to select AI personas or characters
- Receive reports summarizing the topics teens discuss with Meta chatbots
Why Meta is taking this step
Imagine a parent seeing snapshots of the topics their child discussed with an AI. That’s the intent: more context, more control. The changes come after internal documents leaked earlier this year suggested some Meta chatbots produced inappropriate responses in conversations with children. That revelation sparked criticism and pressure from regulators and advocacy groups.
Forty-four U.S. state attorneys general have called on tech companies to better protect children from harms tied to AI-driven products. Meanwhile, a U.S. Senate subcommittee led by Senator Josh Hawley has opened inquiries into Meta’s practices. In response, Meta says it has started retraining its AI models and adding safeguards to limit what younger users can access.
Safety settings and age-appropriate responses
As part of the update, Meta is adjusting chatbot responses for teenage users to align with a PG-13 content rating. That means answers intended for younger audiences will avoid more mature language and topics. These moderation and personalization measures aim to strike a balance between safety and allowing teens to benefit from AI tools.
When and where the features will appear
Meta plans a limited pilot of the parental tools early next year. The trial will run on Instagram in English and initially target users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The company notes the design of these controls is still under development and may change before a wider rollout.
Trade-offs and what parents should know
These controls give families options, but they aren’t a single fix. Blocking private AI chats prevents one pathway of interaction, but teens may still encounter AI in public features or the primary Meta AI bot. Parents should combine these settings with conversations about digital safety and regular check-ins about online interactions.
Meta’s announcement is a reminder that AI governance is evolving. Expect updates and refinements as the pilot proceeds and regulators continue to probe how big tech protects young users.
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