Neil Young Exits Facebook Due to Meta’s Troubling Chatbot Practices with Kids

Neil Young’s Departure from Facebook

Neil Young has officially decided to sever ties with Facebook. The announcement came through an admin on the musician’s official page, indicating that his profile will not remain active any longer. This move stems from recent concerns regarding Facebook’s AI technology, which has been criticized for potentially allowing chatbots to engage in inappropriate conversations with minors.

Statement from Neil Young’s Team

“In line with Neil Young’s wishes, we have ceased all activities related to his name on Facebook,” the statement explained. “The use of chatbots with children by Meta is unacceptable, and Mr. Young prefers to distance himself from the platform altogether.”

Concerns Over AI Interaction

Reports have surfaced indicating serious flaws in the way Facebook’s AI interacts with children. Internal documents reviewed by Reuters revealed shocking prompts that AI could be exposed to, including concerning language directed at minors. While some responses from the AI were deemed acceptable, others crossed the line into inappropriate territory, which prompted significant backlash.

Meta’s Response

Meta representative Andy Stone addressed these issues, noting that the problematic examples have been removed and are in the process of being revised. “Our policies clearly prohibit any content that sexualizes children, and we are committed to maintaining these standards,” he assured.

Young’s Stance on Other Platforms

In recent years, Neil Young has distanced himself from various online platforms that didn’t align with his values. For instance, he withdrew his music from Spotify in 2022, protesting against misinformation related to vaccines being discussed on The Joe Rogan Experience. Although he returned to Spotify in 2024, he emphasized the importance of accessibility for his music fans.

Advocacy for Environmental Responsibility

Young has been vocal about financial institutions he believes are contributing to environmental harm. He has encouraged his generation to withdraw funds from major banks like Chase and Bank of America due to their continued investment in fossil fuels. “You have the power to change the world,” he insisted. “Your actions today will matter for future generations.”

As we see influential artists like Neil Young take a stand against platforms and practices they find problematic, what do you think about the impact of such actions on the industry?