The Big Story

Chatbots, whistleblower concerns renew kids online safety push

Recent revelations about how artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are interacting with and affecting children are colliding with longstanding concerns about tech companies’ approach to safety and revitalizing efforts to pass kids’ online safety legislation.

Nam Y. Huh, Associated Press

Chatbots from both Meta and OpenAI have come under scrutiny in recent weeks, raising questions about how to protect young users from potential harms caused by the rapid development of AI.

Several whistleblowers also came forward with new allegations about Meta’s handling of safety research, underscoring issues that have plagued tech companies with large platforms for years.

The latest developments have prompted senators from both sides of the aisle to renew calls to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), legislation aimed at strengthening online protections for children that has faced roadblocks in previous sessions.

“There is truly bipartisan anger, not only with Meta, but with these other social media platforms and virtual reality platforms and chatbots that are intentionally, knowingly harming our children, and this has got to stop,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said at a hearing Tuesday. “Enough is enough.”

KOSA came close to clearing Congress last year, after passing the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support in July 2024.

However, it came up short in the House, where some...