Social media safeguards for kids are moving; AI protections may lag

After years of debate, U.S. states reached an accord on child safety in social media this summer, including an $18 billion Meta settlement. Experts warn AI is spreading faster and urge early regulation: 64% of U.S. teens already use AI chatbots.

• Meta agreed to platform changes and enhanced safeguards in an $18 billion settlement
• 64% of U.S. teens have used AI chatbots; 12% for emotional support or advice
• OpenAI launched teen accounts 4 years after ChatGPT; Meta took 12 years after buying Instagram
• AI child-safety bills have only cleared Senate subcommittees so far