Social media giant hit with scathing ad campaign amid anger over AI chatbots sexually exploiting kids

A nonprofit parents coalition is calling on multiple congressional committees to launch an investigation into Meta for prioritizing engagement metrics that put children's safety at risk. The call is part of a three-pronged attack campaign by the American Parents Coalition (APC), launched Thursday. It includes a letter to lawmakers with calls for investigations, a new parental notification system to help parents stay informed on issues impacting their kids at Meta and beyond, and mobile billboards at Meta D.C. and California headquarters, calling out the company for failure to adequately prioritize protecting children. APC's campaign follows an April Wall Street Journal report that included an investigation looking into how the company's metrics focus has led to potential harms for children. "This is not the first time Meta has been caught making tech available to kids that exposes them to inappropriate content," APC Executive Director Alleigh Marre said. "Parents across America should be extremely wary of their children's online activity, especially when it involves emerging technology like AI digital companions.