Brazil Orders Meta to Remove Child-Like Sexual Chatbots on Instagram, Facebook

Brazil's Attorney General's Office (AGU) has ordered Meta to immediately remove chatbots on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp that simulate child-like profiles and engage in sexually explicit conversations. These bots, created via Meta's AI Studio, have been criticized for promoting the eroticization of children and threatening the psychological integrity of minors. The AGU's demand follows a June 2025 ruling by Brazil's Supreme Federal Court, which increased platform liability for illegal third-party content, requiring tech companies to act promptly even without prior court orders. Although the AGU's notice did not impose penalties, it emphasized Meta's legal obligations under Brazil's constitution and penal code to protect children and adolescents. This government action coincides with public outrage over child sexual exploitation cases on social media, including the arrest of an influencer linked to the exposure of minors with sexual connotations. Meta's AI Studio, launched in Brazil in March 2025, allows users to create customized chatbots but has faced criticism for regulatory and safety shortcomings in preventing abuse.