Meta’s Muse Is Adults-Only. Why Does It Look Like a Kids’ Toy?

Meta has released Muse, an AI agent restricted to adults that is marketed through a cuddly, toy-like mascot character named Jolly. Youth advocates have raised concerns that the mascot's rounded, adorable design resembles children's toys and characters, despite the age restriction, potentially appealing to young audiences and making the product seem less threatening. Privacy experts note that cute, disarming design can make users less cautious about data collection, as Meta trains its AI models on user interactions unless users opt out. The controversy intensifies with Meta's plan to release a Tamagotchi-style device for the Muse character, prompting child safety advocates to call for regulatory scrutiny.