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ARTICLE · 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

FTC Orders Inquiry Into Effects Of AI-Powered Chatbots On Children

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
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On September 11, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a significant inquiry into the practices of seven prominent companies regarding their AI-powered chatbots.

United StatesTechnology
Rebecca Wiley
Rebecca Wiley
Sean P. Shecter
Sean P. Shecter
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Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2025) - On September 11, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a significant inquiry into the practices of seven prominent companies regarding their AI-powered chatbots. This action underscores the FTC's commitment to safeguarding children and teens in the digital landscape while encouraging technological innovation.

The FTC's orders seek comprehensive information on how these companies measure, test, and monitor the potential negative impacts of their chatbots on young users. The inquiry is particularly focused on the safety of these chatbots when used as companions by children and teens. Specifically, the FTC has requested information about how the companies monetize user engagement, generate outputs in response to user inquiries, and mitigate negative impacts. The FTC's decision to proceed with this inquiry was unanimous, reflecting a strong consensus on the importance of this issue.

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