NewsOperation11 Sep 2025US
The FTC's study of AI companion chatbots and children is still open, with no findings yet
No date set
In September 2025 the FTC ordered Alphabet, Character.AI, Instagram, Meta, OpenAI, Snap and xAI to explain how they test companion chatbots for harm, limit use by children and teens, warn parents, make money from engagement and handle conversation data. A 6(b) study is not an enforcement action, but the FTC says the findings can shape future cases. Nothing had been published by October 2026.
Assess: Write down how your chatbot handles minors, sexual content and engagement design, against the questions the FTC asked.
Who it reaches
It reaches generative AI, user-to-user and messaging services with users in the US, at any size. Orders went to seven named companies; findings would bear on any consumer chatbot used by minors.
Lands on Policy & Standards, Legal & Regulatory and Product.
Learn more
Read the sourceFederal Trade Commission
Not legal advice. Read the source.