Instagram Introduces AI Parental Controls for Chatbots in 2024

Instagram is set to implement new AI parental controls for chatbots in 2024. This initiative aims to give parents tools to oversee their children’s interactions with AI on the platform.

New AI Parental Controls Explained

Instagram’s lead, Adam Mosseri, and Meta’s chief AI officer, Alexandr Wang, announced these updates via a blog post. The controls will allow parents to completely restrict their children’s conversations with AI chatbots. Additionally, parents can block access to specific chatbot characters deemed inappropriate.

Meta’s AI Assistant Exception

An important aspect of the new controls is that Meta’s AI assistant will remain available to users. This assistant is designed to provide helpful information and educational resources, equipped with “age-appropriate protections” to ensure a safe environment.

Insights for Parents

Parents will receive some level of insight regarding their children’s AI interactions. While details are sparse, it appears that parents can expect a general overview of the topics their teens discuss with AI characters and the Meta assistant. The goal is to facilitate meaningful discussions between parents and teens about their AI experiences.

When Will These Controls Launch?

The new controls for AI chatbots are expected to debut in early 2024. Initially, they will be accessible to English-speaking users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Future Expansion Plans

Meta has stated that it intends to broaden these controls across its various platforms in the future. More information about upcoming updates and expansions will be available soon.

Recent Safety Updates

This initiative marks one of Meta’s significant safety enhancements for AI chatbots. It follows a recent update that restricts the type of content accessible to teen Instagram accounts, which aligns with guidelines typically seen in PG-13 films.