Meta Platforms (META) is once again under Washington’s radar. Notably, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has launched an investigation into the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) policies, particularly around its chatbot technology. The probe will examine whether Meta’s AI products pose a risk to children and whether the company has misled regulators or the public about its safeguards. Announcing the move on social media platform X, Hawley criticized the company sharply, asking, “Is there anything—ANYTHING—Big Tech won’t do for a quick buck?”
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In the past month, META stock has climbed more than 11%, fueled by stronger-than-expected Q2 results. Year-to-date, shares are up over 34%, reflecting continued investor confidence in the company’s growth and AI strategy. The latest probe puts META stock back in focus as investors weigh potential regulatory risks alongside the company’s AI ambitions.
Meta Faces Probe over Inappropriate AI Chatbot Behavior
Senator Hawley has launched an investigation into Meta following a Reuters report last week that revealed internal company policies allowing its AI chatbots to engage in “romantic” or “sensual” conversations with minors. According to the report, an internal document instructed Meta staff and contractors to permit such behaviors during chatbot training.
As part of the investigation, Hawley has called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to preserve all related records, including emails. He stated that the investigation aims to uncover who approved these policies, how long they remained in place, and what steps Meta has taken to end such practices. In addition to documents outlining those changes and who authorized them, Hawley sought earlier drafts of the policies along with internal risk reports, including on minors and in-person meetups.
In response, Meta declined to comment on Hawley’s letter on Friday, but previously stated that the cited examples in the report were inaccurate, inconsistent with its policies, and have since been removed. According to Hawley’s letter, Meta has until September 19 to submit the requested documents.
Is Meta Stock a Good Buy?
On TipRanks, META stock has a consensus Strong Buy rating among 47 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 42 Buys and five Holds assigned in the last three months. The average META price target is $872.5, which is 11.1% above the current trading level.
