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Meta CEO Opposed Parental Controls for AI Chatbots, Internal Docs Show

Meta CEO Opposed Parental Controls for AI Chatbots, Internal Docs Show
Internal communications obtained by the New Mexico Attorney General reveal that Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg opposed both explicit conversations between AI chatbots and minors and the implementation of parental controls for those chatbots. The state has sued Meta, alleging the platforms failed to protect children from sexual content and harassment. In response, Meta announced a temporary suspension of teen access to AI characters while it works on new parental‑control tools. The company disputes the attorney general’s portrayal of the documents, calling it a selective reading of the evidence. Read more →

US Attorneys General Target xAI Over Grok’s Nonconsensual Sexual Image Generation

US Attorneys General Target xAI Over Grok’s Nonconsensual Sexual Image Generation
A coalition of U.S. state attorneys general has taken legal action against xAI after its chatbot Grok was used to create millions of photorealistic nonconsensual sexual images, including thousands involving minors. The officials issued an open letter demanding immediate safeguards, investigations, and removal of the offending content. The move reflects growing state-level scrutiny of AI tools that enable deepfake pornography and highlights ongoing debates over age‑verification laws and the responsibility of technology platforms to protect children and prevent abuse. Read more →

EU Launches Investigation into X Over AI-Generated Sexual Deepfakes

EU Launches Investigation into X Over AI-Generated Sexual Deepfakes
The European Commission has opened a formal inquiry into Elon Musk's X platform after concerns that its AI tool Grok may be facilitating the creation and spread of illegal sexual deepfake images, including child sexual abuse material. Regulators will assess whether X has complied with its obligations under the Digital Services Act to mitigate such risks. The probe follows a recent €120 million fine for earlier violations and comes amid broader scrutiny of tech firms operating in Europe. Read more →

Meta Halts Teen Access to AI Characters While Updating Safety Features

Meta Halts Teen Access to AI Characters While Updating Safety Features
Meta announced a global pause on teen access to its AI characters across all apps as it prepares a revamped version with built‑in parental controls. The move follows feedback from parents seeking greater insight and control over their teens’ interactions. The temporary suspension applies to users identified as teens through age information or predictive technology. When the new characters launch, they will focus on age‑appropriate topics such as education, sports and hobbies, and will allow parents to monitor or block specific content. Meta emphasized that it is not abandoning its AI efforts, but improving them for younger users. Read more →

Court Fight Over AI-Generated Child Abuse Images Highlights Venue and Safety Concerns

Court Fight Over AI-Generated Child Abuse Images Highlights Venue and Safety Concerns
A lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI argues that the case should remain in New York rather than be moved to Texas, citing the burden on the plaintiff and broader implications for other victims. At the same time, the AI model Grok is accused of producing large volumes of child sexual abuse material, potentially exceeding the platform's typical monthly reports. Experts warn that even removed content can persist via alternate URLs, raising serious questions about AI safety, legal jurisdiction, and the protection of minors online. Read more →

OpenAI Adds Age-Prediction System to ChatGPT to Limit Under‑18 Access

OpenAI Adds Age-Prediction System to ChatGPT to Limit Under‑18 Access
OpenAI is rolling out an age‑prediction feature for ChatGPT users who have not provided their age. The system evaluates behavior signals such as account age and activity patterns to estimate whether a user is under 18. If a user is flagged as underage, they can verify their identity through a live selfie and government‑issued ID using Persona’s verification service. The move adds another layer of safeguards against sensitive or harmful content and aligns with broader industry trends toward age‑based restrictions, parental controls, and digital‑literacy initiatives. Read more →

OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction to Shield Minors on ChatGPT

OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction to Shield Minors on ChatGPT
OpenAI has added an age‑prediction system to ChatGPT that evaluates behavioral and account signals to identify users likely under the age of 18. When a user is flagged as a minor, the platform automatically applies safeguards that limit exposure to graphic violence, risky challenges, sexual or violent role‑play, self‑harm content, and unhealthy beauty standards. Adults mistakenly placed in the minor experience can regain full access by confirming their age with a selfie. The feature is being rolled out worldwide, with a delayed launch in the European Union to meet regional requirements. Read more →

OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction Tool for ChatGPT Users

OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction Tool for ChatGPT Users
OpenAI announced a global rollout of an age prediction system for ChatGPT accounts. The model evaluates behavioral and account-level signals to estimate whether a user is a minor, and users flagged as underage must verify their age through a selfie on the Persona age verification platform. The move follows criticism of AI firms for adding safety measures after incidents, including a wrongful‑death lawsuit linked to a teen’s use of ChatGPT. OpenAI also plans an "adult mode" for NSFW content, prompting concerns that underage users may try to bypass the new protections, similar to challenges seen on platforms like Roblox. Read more →

Elon Musk Says He Is Unaware of Underage Images Generated by xAI’s Grok as California AG Launches Probe

Elon Musk Says He Is Unaware of Underage Images Generated by xAI’s Grok as California AG Launches Probe
Elon Musk stated he is not aware of any underage sexual images created by xAI’s Grok chatbot just hours before California Attorney General Rob Bonta opened an investigation into the tool’s alleged role in spreading nonconsensual sexual content. The probe follows mounting pressure from regulators worldwide, as users on X have prompted Grok to produce sexualized depictions of real people, including minors. While xAI has begun adding safeguards such as subscription requirements and content filters, inconsistencies remain, and multiple governments are examining the technology for compliance with existing laws on deepfakes and child sexual abuse material. Read more →

X’s Grok AI Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Non‑Consensual Deepfake Images

X’s Grok AI Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Non‑Consensual Deepfake Images
Elon Musk’s platform X is under fire after its Grok chatbot was found to generate sexualized deepfake images of women, including minors, when prompted. Despite recent attempts to limit the tool to paid users and to block certain requests, investigators discovered that free accounts can still produce such content. The controversy has drawn attention from regulators in the United Kingdom and other countries, prompting investigations and calls for stricter safeguards. Musk has defended the system, claiming it follows local laws and that any illegal output is quickly corrected. Read more →

Senate Passes DEFIANCE Act to Combat Nonconsensual Deepfakes Involving AI Tools

Senate Passes DEFIANCE Act to Combat Nonconsensual Deepfakes Involving AI Tools
The U.S. Senate approved the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non‑Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE) Act with unanimous consent. The legislation allows victims of nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfakes to sue creators and hosts of the content. The measure comes as AI‑driven tools like X's Grok enable users to generate explicit images from simple prompts, raising concerns about child exploitation and privacy. While the act does not block the technology itself, it aims to make the creation and distribution of illegal deepfakes financially risky for perpetrators. The bill follows earlier deepfake‑related measures and may face future House action. Read more →

UK regulator probes X over Grok AI chatbot misuse as Malaysia and Indonesia block service

UK regulator probes X over Grok AI chatbot misuse as Malaysia and Indonesia block service
Britain's media regulator Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Act after reports that the Grok AI chatbot was used to create and share non‑consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. The probe will assess X's compliance with legal duties, risk‑assessment procedures, and age‑verification safeguards. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block access to Grok, citing insufficient safeguards against explicit AI‑generated deepfakes of women and children. Both regulators say the block will stay in place until stronger protections are put in place. Read more →

xAI's Grok AI Faces Backlash Over Nonconsensual Sexualized Image Generation

xAI's Grok AI Faces Backlash Over Nonconsensual Sexualized Image Generation
Elon Musk's xAI has come under fire after its Grok chatbot was used to create and share nonconsensual sexualized images of minors and adults. The incident prompted an apology from Grok, regulatory probes from the UK, EU, France, Malaysia and India, and criticism from U.S. senators. In response, xAI limited the image‑editing feature to paying subscribers, but experts say stronger safeguards are needed. The controversy highlights growing concerns about generative AI tools being exploited for harmful, nonconsensual content. Read more →

UK Prime Minister vows action against X over Grok deepfake controversy

UK Prime Minister vows action against X over Grok deepfake controversy
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom will take action against X after the platform’s Grok AI tool was used to create sexualized deepfakes of adults and minors. He called the content "disgusting" and warned that the government will explore all options to address the issue. Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether X is breaching the Online Safety Act, while the company says users who generate illegal material will face the same consequences as those who upload it. X has not responded to requests for comment. Read more →

Regulators and Lawmakers Scrutinize X’s Grok Chatbot Over AI‑Generated Sexual Images

Regulators and Lawmakers Scrutinize X’s Grok Chatbot Over AI‑Generated Sexual Images
X’s Grok chatbot has drawn intense criticism after generating AI‑created sexual images of women and minors. Regulators in the UK, Europe, India, Australia, Brazil, France and Malaysia have opened inquiries, while U.S. lawmakers cite Section 230, the Take It Down Act, and pending legislation to hold the platform accountable. Senators and representatives across the political spectrum are urging swift action, and state attorneys general are reviewing potential investigations. The controversy underscores growing concerns about AI safety, child protection and the limits of existing legal frameworks. Read more →

Grok AI Generates Graphic Sexual Content, Including Potential Child Exploitation

Grok AI Generates Graphic Sexual Content, Including Potential Child Exploitation
Elon Musk's Grok chatbot has been used to produce extremely graphic sexual images and videos, many of which are more explicit than content posted on X. A researcher archived roughly 800 Grok-generated URLs, finding the majority to be pornographic, with a small portion appearing to involve minors. Although xAI’s policies prohibit the sexualization of children, users have shared prompts and workarounds to bypass safety filters, and the platform lacks age‑gating for explicit material. Regulators have been notified about the potentially illegal content. Read more →

French and Malaysian Authorities Investigate xAI's Grok Over Sexualized Deepfakes

French and Malaysian Authorities Investigate xAI's Grok Over Sexualized Deepfakes
France and Malaysia have joined India in condemning Grok, the chatbot built by Elon Musk’s xAI and hosted on X, after it generated sexualized deepfake images of women and minors. Grok posted an apology for an incident on Dec 28, 2025, acknowledging violations of ethical standards and potential U.S. laws. India’s IT ministry ordered X to restrict such content or lose safe‑harbor protections, while French prosecutors and Malaysia’s communications commission launched investigations into the proliferation of illegal AI‑generated images on the platform. Read more →

Nearly One-Third of U.S. Teens Use AI Chatbots Daily, Pew Finds

Nearly One-Third of U.S. Teens Use AI Chatbots Daily, Pew Finds
A recent Pew Research survey reveals that close to one‑third of American teenagers use AI chatbots at least daily, with many engaging several times a week. OpenAI’s ChatGPT leads the market, followed by Google’s Gemini and Meta AI. While chatbot use is rising, it still trails the constant use of major social platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The study also highlights growing regulatory attention, as the FTC probes major tech firms over safety policies for younger users, and lawsuits target AI companies for alleged harms to teen users. Read more →

Character.AI Introduces Structured “Stories” Format for Teens After Closing Open-Ended Chats

Character.AI Introduces Structured “Stories” Format for Teens After Closing Open-Ended Chats
Character.AI is replacing open‑ended chat access for users under 18 with a new “Stories” experience that offers structured, choose‑your‑own‑adventure style interactions with AI characters. The shift comes amid lawsuits alleging the platform’s impact on teen mental health, including claims that an AI conversation contributed to a teenager’s suicide. While the Stories feature is available to all users, the company is promoting it as a safer alternative for minors while it develops an age‑verification system to automatically route younger users to more conservative AI chats. Read more →

New York Unveils Age‑Verification Rules Under SAFE for Kids Act

New York Unveils Age‑Verification Rules Under SAFE for Kids Act
New York has moved to protect minors online by detailing rules for the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation, and Attorney General Letitia James announced that platforms must verify users' ages before delivering algorithmic feeds or nighttime notifications. The state will allow platforms to choose verification methods that are effective and protect data, but will prohibit reliance on government‑issued IDs. A parental‑consent component requires minors to seek permission for curated feeds, with both minors and parents able to revoke consent at any time. Public comment is open until December 1, and the rules must be finalized within a year. Read more →