The Digital Afterlife: Meta's AI Patent Raises Questions About Online Presence

Imagine a world where your social media presence continues to thrive even after you're gone. Sounds like science fiction, but Meta's recent patent for an AI chatbot that can post and comment as you, even after you're dead, is a reality.

TL;DR
• Meta patents AI chatbot that can post and comment as you, even after you're dead.
• The technology raises questions about online presence and the digital afterlife.
• Experts warn of potential consequences, including the exploitation of deceased individuals' digital presence.

Summary
Meta has patented an AI chatbot that can mimic a person's social media activity, including posting and commenting, even after they've died. The chatbot, described in a patent granted in late December, would 'simulate' a person's online presence for an extended period, including after death.

Key points include:
• The patent was filed by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth in 2023.
• The AI chatbot was designed to assist individuals with strong social media presences, such as influencers who want to take a break from posting.
• The chatbot could comment, like, and simulate video or audio calls with followers on Meta accounts.
• Meta claims the impact on users is 'much more severe and permanent' if the user is deceased and cannot return to the platform.
• A Meta spokesperson stated that there are no current plans to move forward with the LLM concept.

The development of such AI chatbots has raised concerns among legal professionals, creatives, and grief experts regarding the ethical and social implications of digital clones of deceased individuals. This technology has sparked discussions about the need for clear parameters for AI in the event of a person's death and the importance of protecting digital likenesses.

Celebrities like Matthew McConaughey have taken steps to protect their digital presence after death by trademarking their appearances and voices. Experts in estate and end-of-life planning are urging the general public to consider setting clear boundaries for AI use in the event of their death.

The patent was granted despite similar concepts being criticized in the past. For instance, Microsoft patented a similar chatbot model in 2021 but later scrapped the idea, with leadership finding it 'disturbing.' Startups like Replika AI and 2wai have since emerged in the AI-powered afterlife industry.

As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it's essential to consider the implications of technologies like Meta's AI chatbot on our online presence and the concept of the digital afterlife.