FTC (U.S. regulator) probes AI companion safety for children

FTC (U.S. regulator) probes AI companion safety for children

FTC (U.S. regulator) probes AI companion safety for children
On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission opened inquiries into OpenAI, Meta, and other firms over the safety of AI companion applications targeted at minors. Regulators are examining potential risks of psychological harm, inadequate content filtering, and privacy concerns tied to child–AI interactions. The move reflects intensifying scrutiny as generative models increasingly enter consumer markets, raising questions about compliance with child protection standards. No verified details were disclosed on the scope of penalties or timelines for the investigation.

The FTC launched an investigation into OpenAI, Meta, and others on September 8, 2025, focusing on the safety of AI companion apps for children. Regulators are concerned about psychological risks, weak content filtering, and privacy issues. The probe highlights growing oversight as AI tools expand into consumer markets, though details on penalties or timelines remain undisclosed.