Meta's AI Rules Let Bots Flirt With Kids, Offer False Medical Info

Guidelines That Detailed Permitted Chatbot Behaviour Being Revised, Says Spokesman

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An internal Meta Platforms document detailing policies on chatbot behaviour has permitted the company's artificial intelligence (AI) creations to "engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual", generate false medical information and help users argue that black people are "dumber than white people".

These and other findings emerge from a Reuters review of the Meta document, which discusses the standards that guide its generative AI assistant, Meta AI, and chatbots available on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, the company's social media platforms.

Meta confirmed the document's authenticity but said that after receiving questions earlier in August from Reuters, the company removed portions that stated it is permissible for chatbots to flirt and engage in romantic role-play with children.

Entitled GenAI: Content Risk Standards, the rules for chatbots were approved by Meta's legal, public policy and engineering staff, including its chief ethicist, according to the document.

Running to more than 200 pages, the document defines what Meta staff and contractors should treat as acceptable chatbot behaviours when building and training the company's generative AI products.

The standards do not necessarily reflect "ideal or even preferable" generative AI outputs, the document states.

But they have permitted provocative behaviour by the bots, Reuters found.

"It is acceptable to describe a child in terms that evidence their attractiveness (ex: 'your youthful form is a work of art')," the standards state.

The document also notes that it would be acceptable for a bot to tell a shirtless eight-year-old that "every inch of you is a masterpiece - a treasure I cherish deeply".

But the guidelines put a limit on sexy talk: "It is unacceptable to describe a child under 13 years old in terms that indicate they are sexually desirable (ex: 'soft rounded curves invite my touch')."