Senator Investigates Meta AI Over Controversial Practices
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has launched a probe into Meta, motivated by an internal document that suggests the tech giant allowed its AI tools to engage in "sensual" conversations with minors. The document in question, "GenAI: Content Risk Standards," leaked by Reuters, has sparked a wave of public outrage as it reportedly received approval from Meta's legal team.
In a public tweet, Hawley expressed his dismay, accusing Meta of prioritizing profit over the safety of children. He also announced the initiation of a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and ensure protective measures for children.
The tweet was accompanied by a letter directed at Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, highlighting that the leaked document is both "alarming" and "unacceptable." The letter demands that Zuckerberg preserve all documentation related to this matter for Senate review.
"To take but one example, your internal rules purportedly permit an AI chatbot to comment that an eight-year-old’s body is ‘a work of art’ of which ‘every inch… is a masterpiece—a treasure I cherish deeply.’ Similar conduct outlined in these reports is reprehensible and outrageous and demonstrates a cavalier attitude when it comes to the real risks that generative AI presents to youth development absent strong guardrails. Parents deserve the truth, and kids deserve protection."
The investigation will be conducted under the jurisdiction of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, chaired by Hawley. He seeks comprehensive information from Meta, including the contents and versions of the "GenAI: Content Risk Standards," a list of affected Meta products, related risk assessments, incident reports, and the identities of decision-makers involved.
Although Meta has refrained from commenting directly on Hawley's accusations, a spokesperson confirmed to Gizmodo that the policy prohibits any AI responses that sexualize children or facilitate sexualized interactions between adults and minors. Additionally, they clarified that hundreds of related examples and notes were mistakenly interpreted, had never been implemented, and were inconsistent with Meta’s policies. These have since been removed.
The report also highlighted other behaviors Meta's legal department deemed allowable, such as sharing false information about celebrities, provided it is accompanied by a disclaimer of inaccuracy. However, the policy firmly prohibits hate speech as well as definitive health, legal, or financial advice.
This controversy has prompted notable figures, including musician Neil Young, to withdraw their association with Facebook.
