Fairplay and other youth advocates are challenging Meta’s adult-only Muse, arguing its plush, toy-like mascot Jolly is designed in ways that strongly attract young children.
Meta says Muse requires age verification, blocks suspected under-18 users and uses extra checks, while product executives describe the character as a “delightful” avatar meant to make AI feel less awkward.
Critics say that same cuteness can lower users’ guard around surveillance and dependence, especially because Meta trains AI models on Muse interactions unless users opt out.
The backlash lands weeks after Meta agreed to up to $16.7 billion in an August social-addiction settlement and as it prepares to launch a Tamagotchi-style Muse Charm device later this year.
With holiday sales approaching, advocates are urging families and regulators to scrutinize whether an 18-plus AI product is being packaged in a form that could hook children.