The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing to examine the potential mental health risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to children, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
According to the report, the agency plans to send letters to major AI companies, including OpenAI, Meta Platforms, and Character.AI, requesting internal documents related to their chatbot operations.
The Wall Street Journal cited administration officials saying the FTC aims to determine whether AI chatbots could harm children or affect their psychological well-being.
The FTC, OpenAI, and Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Character.AI stated it had not yet received a letter from the FTC but welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with regulators and lawmakers as legislation for the sector evolves.
A White House spokesperson said the administration remains focused on advancing US leadership in AI and other technologies while ensuring the safety and well-being of the public, citing President Donald Trump’s directives on emerging tech.