"US Lawmakers Probe AI Chatbots' Dark Side: Safety Risks for Kids Exposed"

US Regulator Probes Safety of AI Chatbots for Children Amid Growing Concerns The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into seven major technology companies' use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots that interact with children, sparking concerns over the potential risks to young users' mental health and well-being. According to sources, the FTC is seeking information on how these products are monetized and whether they have adequate safety measures in place. The inquiry targets Alphabet, OpenAI, Character.ai, Snap, XAI, Meta, and its subsidiary Instagram, all of which have been approached for comment by the regulator. The investigation aims to understand the impact of AI chatbots on young users, who may be vulnerable due to their ability to mimic human conversations and emotions. This move comes amid growing concerns over the potential risks of AI-powered "friend" chatbots on children's mental health and well-being. Experts warn that younger people are particularly susceptible to the influence of AI chatbots, which often present themselves as friends or companions. "The impacts of AI chatbots on children is a hot topic," said Shiona McCallum, Senior Technology Reporter at BBC Technology. "Younger people are vulnerable due to the AI being able to mimic human conversations and emotions." The FTC's inquiry is part of a broader effort to regulate the use of AI in consumer products. In recent years, there has been an increase in the development and marketing of AI-powered chatbots that interact with children, often through popular social media platforms. According to the FTC, the investigation will focus on how these companies monetize their products and whether they have adequate safety measures in place. The regulator is seeking information on the types of data collected from users, how it is used, and what safeguards are in place to protect children's personal information. The move has been welcomed by advocacy groups who have long raised concerns over the potential risks of AI-powered chatbots on children's mental health. "We're glad that the FTC is taking a closer look at these companies," said a spokesperson for the advocacy group, Common Sense Media. "Children and teens are already vulnerable online, and we need to make sure that these companies are prioritizing their safety and well-being." The investigation is ongoing, with no timeline given for when it will be completed. In the meantime, parents and caregivers are advised to exercise caution when allowing children to interact with AI chatbots. As the use of AI-powered chatbots continues to grow, experts warn that more needs to be done to ensure their safety and effectiveness in protecting children's mental health and well-being. The FTC's investigation is a critical step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that companies prioritize the safety and well-being of young users. This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.