Meta on Friday announced that it will allow parents to turn off private chats between teens and AI characters — a move aimed at enhancing safety for minors on its platforms, following strong criticism over the flirtatious nature of some of its chatbots.

Earlier this week, the company said its AI experiences for teens will be guided by the PG-13 movie rating system, as it looks to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.

US regulators have stepped up scrutiny of AI companies over the potential negative impacts of chatbots. In August, Reuters reported how Meta’s AI rules allowed provocative conversations with minors.

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