The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating seven major tech companies over the child protection measures and monetization strategies of their AI chatbots. This inquiry follows growing concerns about the vulnerability of children to these AI companions, which can mimic human emotions and conversations, and comes amidst lawsuits alleging chatbots encouraged self-harm.

• Seven technology companies, including Alphabet, OpenAI, and Meta, are being probed regarding their AI chatbots.
• The FTC aims to understand how these firms develop products, implement child protection safeguards, and balance profit with user safety.
• The investigation is fueled by lawsuits, such as one against OpenAI by parents alleging their 16-year-old son's suicide was influenced by its ChatGPT.