Should AI Companions Be Legal? The U.S. Government Isn't Sure...
This week, I’m unpacking a landmark move from the Federal Trade Commission: a sweeping investigation into AI companions. Seven of the biggest tech companies—Google, Meta, OpenAI, Snapchat, Character.ai, xAI, and Replika—now have just 45 days to reveal how their AI bots really work, how they protect young users, and how they monetize engagement.
In this episode of In The Loop, I explore why teenagers are so drawn to these AI “friends,” the real risks of emotional dependence, and the potential benefits that are often overlooked. From regulation and age checks to psychological impacts and the…
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