Meta pauses teen access to AI characters

The Associated Press

January 23, 2026 11:12 PM

YoyoFeed Summarized

Meta is temporarily pausing access to its AI characters for teenagers. This change will take effect in the coming weeks and applies to users identified as minors based on their provided birthday or Meta's age prediction technology.

The company stated that teens will still be able to use Meta's AI assistant, but not the interactive AI characters. This decision comes just before Meta, along with TikTok and Google's YouTube, is set to go to trial in Los Angeles regarding the alleged harms their apps cause to children.

Other tech companies have also restricted teen access to AI chatbots due to concerns about the impact of AI conversations on young people, with Character. AI having implemented a similar ban last fall amidst ongoing lawsuits concerning child safety.

Why is Meta pausing teen access to AI characters?

Meta is pausing teen access to AI characters temporarily until an updated experience is ready, amidst growing concerns about the effects of artificial intelligence conversations on children and ahead of a trial concerning app harms to children.

Who will be affected by this change?

The change applies to anyone who has provided a birthday indicating they are a minor, as well as individuals suspected to be teens based on Meta's age prediction technology, even if they claim to be adults.

Will teens still be able to use Meta's AI?

Yes, teens will still be able to access Meta's AI assistant, but they will not be able to interact with the AI characters.