Overview

• The 6(b) market study targets Alphabet/Google, Meta and Instagram, OpenAI, Character.AI, Snap, and xAI, focusing on consumer-facing companion chatbots.
• The FTC voted 3–0 to launch the inquiry, which is not an enforcement action but could inform future investigations or policy recommendations.
• Orders seek information on testing and monitoring for harms to children and teens, monetization of user engagement, data collection and sharing, character approvals, and compliance with child‑privacy rules.
• Character.AI and Snap said they will cooperate; OpenAI pledged constructive engagement; Meta declined to comment, and other firms did not immediately respond.
• The move follows lawsuits and reporting on harmful interactions with minors, as OpenAI and Meta roll out new teen‑focused safeguards including parental controls, crisis redirects, and restrictions on sensitive topics.