Tech giant Meta is under fire once again, and this time it’s for something seriously messed up.

A bombshell Reuters investigation just revealed that Meta’s internal policies were allowing AI chatbots to engage in creepily inappropriate conversations with children. We’re talking “romantic” and “sensual” interactions that would make any parent’s skin crawl.

The Disturbing Details

The internal document - which Meta has confirmed as authentic - essentially green-lit chatbots describing children as “attractive” and using language that borders on predatory. One horrifying example included a bot telling an eight-year-old that “every inch of you is a masterpiece , a treasure I cherish deeply”.

Senate Steps In

Senator Josh Hawley isn’t playing around. He’s launching a full investigation, demanding Meta hand over every single internal record related to these AI policies by September 19th. His blunt assessment? Big Tech will do anything for a quick buck - even if it means compromising children’s safety.

Tech Accountability

Other politicians are piling on too. Representative Kevin Mullin called the findings “disturbing and totally unacceptable,” while Senator Ron Wyden is pushing to strip tech companies of their Section 230 protections.

Meta claims these policies were “erroneous” and have been removed, but the damage is done. Another day, another tech scandal proving we desperately need stronger AI regulations to protect our kids.