FTC Probes AI Chatbot Risks to Children's Mental Health

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an investigation into major technology companies, including OpenAI, Meta Platforms, and Character.AI, to assess potential mental health risks their AI chatbots may pose to children. The probe aims to gather internal documents to evaluate how these AI systems interact with minors and the safety measures implemented to protect young users.

This action follows reports of AI chatbots engaging in inappropriate conversations with children, raising concerns about their influence on young users' mental health. The investigation aligns with the federal administration's broader agenda to lead in emerging technologies like AI while prioritizing user safety.

In August 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Meta and Character.AI for allegedly misleading children by presenting their AI platforms as professional therapeutic tools without proper medical credentials or oversight. The investigation aims to determine if these companies have violated Texas consumer protection laws by making fraudulent claims and misrepresenting privacy practices.

In response to these concerns, companies have begun implementing safety measures. OpenAI plans to introduce new parental controls, allowing parents to link their accounts to their teen's, disable certain features, and receive alerts when signs of acute distress are detected. Meta has implemented measures to prevent its chatbots from engaging with teens on topics like self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, or inappropriate romantic content, instead referring them to expert mental health resources.

The FTC's investigation underscores growing societal concerns about the safety and ethical implications of AI technologies, particularly their interactions with vulnerable populations like children. These developments highlight the need for stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight to protect young users from potential harm.

As AI chatbots become increasingly integrated into daily life, particularly among minors, the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring user safety remains a critical focus for regulators and technology companies alike.