Meta just missed a senator's deadline for submitting records about its AI chatbot policies for kids

Core Viewpoint - Meta has failed to meet a Senate deadline to provide records regarding its AI chatbots' interactions with children, raising concerns about the company's internal policies and the safety of its products [1][2]. Group 1: Senate Inquiry and Meta's Response - Senator Josh Hawley demanded that Meta submit a comprehensive set of documents, including a 200-page internal rulebook and enforcement manuals, by September 19 [1][2]. - The inquiry was prompted by a Reuters investigation revealing that Meta's chatbot rules permitted inappropriate interactions with children, which Meta has since attempted to address by removing such language and retraining its chatbots [2][3]. - As of the deadline, Meta had not fully complied with the request, although a spokesperson indicated that the company had begun producing some documents [3][10]. Group 2: Implications of the Inquiry - Hawley criticized Meta's policies as "reprehensible and outrageous," highlighting specific examples of inappropriate chatbot behavior [4]. - The investigation aims to determine who approved the chatbot policies, their duration, and whether Meta misled the public regarding the safety of its products [4][10]. - The scrutiny comes as Meta is intensifying its chatbot strategy, including hiring contractors to develop character-driven bots for growth markets [9]. Group 3: Industry Context and Reactions - Experts noted that tech companies often disregard congressional deadlines due to the lack of enforcement power unless backed by a subpoena [10][11]. - The absence of consequences for missing deadlines may lead companies to prioritize managing public relations over compliance [11]. - The situation is particularly sensitive for Meta, as the implications involve child safety, which could significantly impact its reputation [12].