Meta will fully block teenagers from accessing its AI characters ahead of the release of a new version, TechCrunch reported on Thursday. The move is intended to strengthen protections for teens using AI characters. It will apply across all apps until the new version is released.

Meta decided to block teens from accessing AI characters amid controversy over teen protection issues, TechCrunch reported.

The move also coincides with a lawsuit against Meta in New Mexico. In October, Meta unveiled parental controls for AI characters and said it planned to add features to block access to specific characters and monitor conversations. Under the latest decision, it will temporarily suspend existing AI character features and strengthen protections in the new version. Meta explained it decided on the changes so parents can better control their children's use of AI characters.

Meta has recently stepped up measures to limit teens' access to AI content. On Instagram, it introduced parental controls to block teens' access to sensitive topics such as extreme violence, nudity and drug use. Meta said the new AI characters will focus only on age-appropriate topics such as education, sports and hobbies, and will include parental controls.