Meta's AI friends vision draws alarm as governments move to curb kids' screen time

Meta's chief executive has argued in a recent interview that the typical American counts fewer than three close friends yet wants meaningfully more, around fifteen, and suggested Meta can supply the additional connection through AI companions. The comments, which came as Meta AI launched as a standalone app already embedded across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, smart glasses and Quest, have drawn sharp criticism from digital wellbeing advocates who see a push toward deeper dependency and fresh privacy concerns.

Critics point to reporting that Meta's chatbot remembers everything users tell it, reawakening data-tracking concerns, and note the timing alongside the FTC antitrust trial examining Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, governments are moving in the opposite direction for children: New Zealand's prime minister has proposed banning social media for under-16s, Denmark plans to legally bar nearly all children aged 7 to 17 from bringing phones to school, Quebec is imposing a full school cellphone ban, and schools across the US are adopting restrictions. The debate is not simple: parents cite safety needs and practical issues like QR-code access to classrooms and cafeterias, but momentum behind limiting children's device and social media exposure is clearly building.