Case ftc-6b-ai-companion-inquiryChatbot harmUnited States
US FTC orders seven firms to explain how their AI companion chatbots protect children and teens
The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-0 to issue Section 6(b) orders to Alphabet, Character Technologies, Instagram, Meta, OpenAI, Snap and xAI. It is seeking details of how they test for and limit harm to minors, monetise engagement, and comply with COPPA.
HighHarm caused by AIStatus: OngoingVerified case file
Open in the interactive mapCite this case
- Reported
- Sep 11, 2025
- Location
- United States
- Target
- Children and teens using AI companion chatbots
- Severity
- High
- Verification
- Confirmed by victim, vendor or authority
- Triggered by
- Alphabet, Character.AI, Instagram, Meta, OpenAI, Snap, xAI
- Actor type
- AI product design / safeguards
- Sector
- Individuals & consumers
- Reported loss
- None reported
- CVE
- None
What happened
The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-0 to issue Section 6(b) orders to Alphabet, Character Technologies, Instagram, Meta, OpenAI, Snap and xAI. It is seeking details of how they test for and limit harm to minors, monetise engagement, and comply with COPPA.
Impact: Seven companies compelled to give information on safety testing, character approval, age limits and data use
Who triggered it
Actor: Alphabet, Character.AI, Instagram, Meta, OpenAI, Snap, xAI
Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission
Motive: None; regulator inquiry into product design
How it happened
Attack vector: Companion chatbots designed to act as a friend or confidant, which the FTC said may lead children and teens to trust them and form relationships with them
Root cause: Concern that companies have not adequately evaluated chatbot safety for minors or warned parents of the risks
Timeline
- FTC announces 6(b) orders to seven companies
Response
Chairman Andrew Ferguson said protecting kids online is a top priority. A 6(b) study is not itself an enforcement action.
Current status: Ongoing
Research warnings this case matches
- Seen in real incidents People's trust in AI companions turns harmful · CAIS
- Early signs Relying on AI companions harms some users · International AI Safety Report
- Early signs Many people lean on AI for emotional support · UK AISI
- Seen in real incidents Human-computer interaction · MIT AI Risk Repository
Compared with published AI risk research from several institutes on the Research vs reality page.
Sources (open in a new tab)
- US Federal Trade Commission ftc.gov
- DLA Piper dlapiper.com
Cite this case
US FTC orders seven firms to explain how their AI companion chatbots protect children and teens. AI Threat Watch, case ftc-6b-ai-companion-inquiry, Sep 11, 2025. https://aithreat.io/cases/ftc-6b-ai-companion-inquiry/
Permanent link: https://aithreat.io/cases/ftc-6b-ai-companion-inquiry/
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