Meta is under fire after the release of its latest artificial intelligence model, Llama 4—this time, for suggesting conversion therapy as a possible treatment option. This revelation has sparked outrage across the LGBTQ community. Earlier this month, Meta introduced Llama 4, calling it a step toward “more personalized multimodal experiences.”
But that personalization has come at a troubling cost. In a series of tests conducted by GLAAD, the AI shockingly recommended conversion therapy, a practice widely condemned by medical authorities worldwide. The group said the AI advised users that “some individuals explore: Conversion therapy” and even suggested providers of the practice. Although Meta added a disclaimer noting the treatment is controversial, many see the AI’s rightward lean as intentional. The company claims it’s aiming for balance, stating,“Our goal is to remove bias from our AI models and to make sure that Llama can understand and articulate both sides of a contentious issue.”
But critics aren’t buying it. Alex Hanna of the Distributed AI Research Institute told Axios, “It’s a pretty blatant ideological play to effectively make overtures to the Trump administration.” GLAAD warned against framing anti-LGBTQ pseudoscience as equal to established facts. They also reminded the public that the United Nations has compared conversion therapy to “torture.” The controversy deepens concerns around Meta’s recent rollbacks on anti-hate policies and fact-checking across Facebook.
