tech
January 23, 2026
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters ahead of new version
Meta will developed new versions of AI characters that will give age-appropriate responses.
TL;DR
- Meta is pausing teens' access to AI characters globally across all its apps.
- The company is developing an updated version of AI characters for teens with enhanced parental controls.
- This decision was influenced by feedback from parents who want more control over their teens' AI interactions.
- Meta is also implementing parental controls on Instagram, restricting teen access to certain sensitive topics.
- The company faces legal scrutiny, including a trial in New Mexico related to protecting children from sexual exploitation and another trial regarding social media addiction.
- Other AI companies like Character.AI and OpenAI have also implemented changes to their platforms to improve teen safety.