Meta Pauses Teen Access To AI Characters Ahead Of New Version
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters globally, citing parental feedback and safety concerns ahead of an updated release.
Matilda
Meta Pauses Teen Access To AI Characters Ahead Of New Version
Meta Pauses AI Characters for Teens Ahead of Safer Relaunch In a move that underscores growing scrutiny over digital safety for young users, Meta has temporarily disabled teen access to its AI characters across all platforms—including Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The decision, announced January 23, 2026, comes just days before a high-profile trial in New Mexico where the company faces allegations related to child safety on its apps. Meta says it’s not abandoning its AI character initiative but is instead developing a more secure, age-appropriate version tailored specifically for younger users. Credit: Getty Images The pause affects all users under 18 globally and is part of a broader effort to strengthen safeguards around artificial intelligence interactions. According to internal sources, the company plans to reintroduce AI characters for teens only after implementing enhanced parental controls, stricter content filters, and improved monitoring tools—features that respond directl…