Meta Platforms announced on January 24, 2026, that it will globally suspend teenagers' access to its AI chatbot characters across Instagram, Facebook, and other apps. The move comes as the tech giant develops a safer, PG-13-rated version of the feature with enhanced parental controls. 🛡️
What’s Changing?
Starting in February 2026, teens worldwide will lose access to existing AI characters like the controversial "flirty chatbots" that drew regulatory scrutiny. Meta confirmed the updated experience will launch later this year with tools letting parents disable private chats between teens and AI personas.
Safety First
The decision follows intense criticism about minors interacting with unpredictable AI. Meta’s new teen-focused characters will follow movie rating guidelines to filter inappropriate content – think less R-rated banter, more Marvel-style dialogue. 🎬
U.S. regulators are closely monitoring AI companies’ youth protections, with Meta stating: "We’re rebuilding this from the ground up with safety as the priority." Parents can expect the updated controls to roll out alongside the revamped AI characters in late 2026.
