Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Meta Temporarily Blocks Teens from AI Characters
Meta is stopping teenagers from using AI characters on its apps for a little while.
They want to make the AI characters safer and more suitable for teens.
This comes just before a big court case where Meta is being accused of not protecting children enough.
Meta also wants to give parents more control over what their teens can do with AI.
They will bring back the AI characters once they have added new safety features.
Other companies like Character.AI and OpenAI are also making changes to protect young users.
Meta will temporarily suspend teens' access to AI characters across all its apps worldwide.
The move is part of an effort to release an updated, safer version of AI characters tailored for teens.
Meta faces a trial in New Mexico over accusations of failing to protect children from sexual exploitation on its platforms.
New parental control tools for AI characters will be incorporated into a broader update, prompting the temporary removal of AI character access for teen users.
Meta aims to balance innovation with safety, addressing growing concerns over young users' online experiences.
- Who
- Meta, teens, parents
- What
- Temporary pause on AI character access for teens
- When
- Starting in the coming weeks
- Where
- All Meta apps worldwide
- Why
- To release an updated, safer version of AI characters tailored for teens
- Company
- Meta
- Affected Users
- Teens
- Reason for Pause
- Safety update for teens
- New Features
- Parental controls, age-appropriate responses
- Scope
- All Meta apps worldwide
- Upcoming Trial
- New Mexico trial on child protection
- Other Companies
- Character.AI, OpenAI
Sources
Meta Pauses AI Character Access for Teens Ahead of New Safety Update
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters
No more AI friends: Meta cuts off teen access to characters on Instagram and Facebook
Meta Halts Teens' Access To AI Characters Globally
Meta halts teens’ access to AI characters ahead of child safety trial - Telegraph India
