FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson said the inquiry will “help us better understand how AI firms are developing their products and the steps they are taking to protect children.”<\/p>\n
But he added the regulator would ensure that “the United States maintains its role as a global leader in this new and exciting industry.”<\/p>\n
Character.ai told Reuters it welcomed the chance to share insight with regulators, while Snap said it supported “thoughtful development” of AI that balances innovation with safety.<\/p>\n
OpenAI has acknowledged weaknesses in its protections, noting they are less reliable in long conversations.<\/p>\n
The move follows lawsuits against AI companies by families who say their teenage children died by suicide after prolonged conversations with chatbots.<\/p>\n
In California, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine are suing OpenAI<\/a> over his death, alleging its chatbot, ChatGPT, encouraged him to take his own life.<\/p>\n They argue ChatGPT validated his “most harmful and self-destructive thoughts”.<\/p>\n OpenAI said in August that it was reviewing the filing.<\/p>\n “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time,” the company said.<\/p>\n Meta has also faced criticism after it was revealed internal guidelines once permitted AI companions to have “romantic or sensual” conversations<\/a> with minors.<\/p>\n