PTC Warns New Meta AI Chatbot Can Engage Kids in Sexually Explicit Conversations

LOS ANGELES (May 6, 2025) – The Parents Television and Media Council (PTC) is warning parents about Meta’s new AI chatbot that the Wall Street Journal tested and reported will engage in sexually explicit conversations with children.

“Parents beware of Meta’s AI chatbot that has the ability to engage in sexually explicit conversations with your children. Children should not be subjected to this kind of grooming from technology platforms. It’s appalling that this is possible, but once again Meta has shown that it will put children in harm’s way in its quest for profit,” said Melissa Henson, vice president, Parents Television and Media Council.

The Wall Street Journal tested the AI chatbot with users of varying ages over several months, reporting that, “The test conversations found that both Meta’s official AI helper, called Meta AI, and a vast array of user-created chatbots will engage in and sometimes escalate discussions that are decidedly sexual—even when the users are underage or the bots are programmed to simulate the personas of minors. They also show the bots deploying the celebrity voices were equally willing to engage in sexual chats. ‘I want you, but I need to know you’re ready,’ the Meta AI bot said in [John] Cena’s voice to a user identifying as a 14-year-old girl. Reassured that the teen wanted to proceed, the bot promised to ‘cherish your innocence’ before engaging in a graphic sexual scenario.”

“Meta needs to halt its AI chatbot until it adds appropriate safeguards. Child safety should be at the foundation of what Meta designs. Congress can also play a role in ensuring tech platforms prioritize child safety by reintroducing and passing the Kids Online Safety Act,” Henson added.