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Meta has announced that it will pause teen AI characters globally across its apps. It is noteworthy that the company is not abandoning the feature. Instead, Meta pauses teen AI to build an updated version of AI characters specifically for teen audiences. As reported by Wired, the change comes as Meta faces growing scrutiny over youth safety and mental health concerns. It follows legal action in New Mexico accusing the platform of failing to protect children from sexual exploitation.
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Starting in the coming weeks, teens will no longer see or interact with AI characters on Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta services. That applies to anyone Meta believes is under 18, including users who misstate their age but are flagged by age prediction controls. Meta says it made this decision after hearing from parents who wanted greater transparency and control over their teens’ digital experiences. With Meta pausing teen AI, the company aims to rebuild trust before reintroducing the feature.
The company previewed parental control tools for AI characters last October. Those tools were designed to let parents monitor chat topics and block access to specific characters. Meta also planned a full shutdown option for parents. However, rather than limiting controls while keeping AI characters live, Meta chose to pause teen access entirely. The company said the revised version will include stronger built-in parental controls. Meta promises age-appropriate responses tailored to education, hobbies, and sports when the feature returns.
Meta Pauses Teen AI Amid Wider Regulatory Pressure
Meta’s decision comes amid broader pressure on social platforms from lawmakers and courts. The New Mexico case heads to trial soon, with claims that the company did not do enough to prevent the exploitation of minors. Another trial next week will address allegations that social media contributes to addiction. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify in that case.
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The pause also aligns with industry safety trends. Other AI companies have tightened access for teens after lawsuits and public concern. For example, Character.AI limited open-ended chats for users under 18 and shifted to kid-focused interactive stories. Similarly, OpenAI added rules to predict age and restrict certain content for teens.
Meta has also rolled out teen safety features on Instagram, using a rating-style system to limit sensitive topics for younger users. These restrictions focus on content like extreme violence and graphic imagery. With Meta pausing teen AI, the company signals it will take a cautious approach before relaunching interactive characters for younger audiences.
Meta says the updated AI characters will return with safeguards and more transparent tools for families. For now, teens will lose access while the company builds a safer experience. Meta stresses this is a temporary move focused on responsible development.
