US regulator probes AI chatbots over child safety concerns | International

NEW YORK, Sept 12, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The US Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday it has launched an inquiry into AI chatbots that act as digital companions, focusing on potential risks to children and teenagers. The consumer protection agency issued orders to seven companies -- including tech giants Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI and Snap -- seeking information about how they monitor and address negative impacts from chatbots designed to simulate human relationships. "Protecting kids online is a top priority for" the FTC, said Chairman Andrew Ferguson, emphasizing the need to balance child safety with maintaining US leadership in artificial intelligence innovation. The inquiry targets chatbots that use generative AI to mimic human communication and emotions, often presenting themselves as friends or...