AI Giants Under FTC Scrutiny Regarding Chatbot Safety and Child Safeguarding

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has announced the commencement of a broad inquiry into the artificial intelligence practices of several major companies. The investigation centers on the potential risks posed by AI-powered chatbots to consumers, with a specific emphasis on child safety and data protection. The inquiry involves a comprehensive evaluation of the AI algorithms employed in these chatbots, as well as the privacy policies in place for collecting and storing user data. The Commission seeks to ascertain whether these companies have engaged in unfair or deceptive practices concerning their AI-driven products and services. Furthermore, the actions taken to shield children from harmful and potentially psychologically damaging content will be scrutinized. The FTC aims, through this inquiry, to ensure compliance with existing laws and to protect consumers, particularly children, from the possible dangers associated with the rapid advancement of AI technology. The investigation is expected to lead to recommendations regarding the development of new industry standards and regulatory frameworks for governing AI development and deployment.