Meta Pauses Teen Access to AI Characters

On January 23, 2026, Meta decided to temporarily block access to its "AI Characters" for users under 18 worldwide. This is a preventive measure amidst growing criticism regarding the safety of children interacting with virtual personalities.

The company admitted that current filters do not always handle ambiguous dialogues effectively and plans to implement strict parental control mechanisms. This move is an acknowledgment that the race for engagement has hit an ethical limit. Meta chooses a tactical retreat to avoid regulatory backlash in the US and EU.

Source: Reuters / Meta Blog