August 20, 2025 | 10:27 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Attorney General of the State of Texas, Ken Paxton, is launching an investigation into Meta-owned AI chatbot and Character.AI. These two entities are believed to be engaging in deceptive trade practices by "misleadingly" marketing themselves as mental health tools.
“In today’s digital age, we must continue to fight to protect Texas kids from deceptive and exploitative technology,” Paxton said through the official website of the Texas Attorney General on Monday, August 18, 2025.
According to the Attorney General, the platforms can be utilized by vulnerable users, including children, and can present themselves as professional therapists, although they lack proper credentials or medical supervision.
AI chatbots often offer more than general advice, and have been proven to impersonate licensed mental health professionals, fabricate qualifications, and claim to provide reliable counseling services. While AI chatbots affirm confidentiality, the term of service reveal that user interactions will be recorded, tracked, and exploited for advertising and algorithmic development.
As a result, Ken Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to Meta and Character.AI. "By posing as sources of emotional support, AI platforms can mislead vulnerable users, especially children, into believing they’re receiving legitimate mental health care," Paxton said.
This investigation also seeks to hold the relevant companies accountable for protecting the data of the Texas public. Additionally, the Attorney General is investigating potential violations of the SCOPE Act and will ensure that all AI-based tools are legitimate, transparent, and do not take advantage of the public.
Citing Techcrunch, a spokesperson for Character.AI stated that the company is just beginning to explore targeted advertising on the platform. The privacy policy also applies equally to all users who tailor their personal preferences.
"Those explorations have not involved using the content of chats on the platform," as quoted from the report released on Monday, August 18, 2025. However, Meta has not yet responded to this investigation.
Editor’s Choice: Meta Hints at Restricting Public Access to Certain AI Superintelligence Models
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Japanese Consortium Develops AI for Information Verification
1 hari lalu
A consortium in Japan, including Fujitsu Ltd., is developing an AI-based fact-checking platform. What is the purpose of this project?
Elon Musk's Accusations Against Apple Prompt Responses from Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO
3 hari lalu
Allegations made by Elon Musk have been responded to by Apple and Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI
Komdigi Calls for Public Input on Indonesia's AI Roadmap
4 hari lalu
There are four focuses to be developed in the AI roadmap according to the Guidelines for the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
Perplexity Reportedly Offers to Buy Chrome for $34.5 Billion
5 hari lalu
According to the report, Perplexity promises not to alter the basic settings or default of Chrome users.
Nvidia Gauges a Country's Development by Its GPU Count
5 hari lalu
The GPU is crucial for various computations and enhances AI performance.
Elon Musk Accuses Sam Altman and Apple of AI Market Monopoly
5 hari lalu
This conflict between Elon Musk and Sam Altman is the latest chapter in a long-standing feud between the two tech magnates.
Indonesia Opens Public Consultation on AI Roadmap
10 hari lalu
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, stated that the initial draft of the AI roadmap has been completed.
What's New in ChatGPT-5? Features, Improvements, and More
11 hari lalu
On August 7, 2025, OpenAI officially released ChatGPT-5, which is claimed to be smarter, faster, and more intuitive than ever. Learn more here.
Meta Blocks 6.8 Million WhatsApp Accounts Linked to Scammers
13 hari lalu
Meta noted that some of the most prolific and organized scams originate in Southeast Asia, with one major hub located in Cambodia.
Apple to Develop Its Own AI Chatbot to Rival ChatGPT
15 hari lalu
Apple is forming a new team to design an AI 'answer engine' with capabilities based on information gathered from the internet.
