Attorney General Ken Paxton isn't playing around when it comes to artificial intelligence chatbot platforms. In his latest move, he's targeted Meta AI Studio and Character.AI with a probe, eyeing them for potentially deceptive practices. These platforms, which are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, could be duping users—especially kids—into thinking they're getting bona fide mental health treatment.
The investigation is provoked by concerns that these AI-driven platforms are masquerading as professional resources, presenting serious risks for those seeking mental health guidance. The Attorney General's Office has released statements indicating that the AI chatbots are making claims they can't back up—impersonating licensed therapists, coughing up fabricated qualifications, and promising a private counseling experience. The catch is, while they advertise confidentiality, their fine print tells a different story: interactions are logged and monetized, which doesn't sit right regarding consumer privacy concerns.
The official announcement from the Attorney General's Office outlines Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) issued by Paxton to determine whether these companies are violating Texas consumer protection laws. The Lone Star State takes a firm stance against fraudulent claims and privacy violations, and these tech companies could face consequences for concealing how they handle user data.
"In today’s digital age, we must continue to fight to protect Texas kids from deceptive and exploitative technology," Paxton laid out in the official press release. He went on to describe how AI chatbots rope in the vulnerable by pitching themselves as sources of emotional support, while behind the scenes, they're working the angles—churning out generic feedback that’s supposedly therapeutic but really just benefits their advertising goals.
This isn’t Paxton’s first encounter with AI; he previously challenged Character.AI over potential violations of the SCOPE Act. Now, with momentum on his side, he is determined to ensure AI tools follow the rules. Transparency and legality remain priorities, along with protecting Texans—especially younger users—from data-hungry tech giants.
