Meta wins patent for AI that could post for dead social media users
Summary
Meta has secured a patent for an AI that could simulate social media activity for deceased users, raising ethical concerns about digital legacies.
Why It Matters
This patent highlights the intersection of AI technology and digital legacy management, prompting discussions on the ethical implications of creating digital avatars of deceased individuals. As social media continues to evolve, understanding the potential consequences of such technologies is crucial for users, families, and legal frameworks.
Key Takeaways
- Meta's patent allows for AI to simulate deceased users' social media activity.
- The technology could have significant implications for digital legacies and online presence.
- Ethical concerns are raised regarding the creation of digital clones of deceased individuals.
Meta AI now holds a patent for an AI chatbot that could be trained to post and comment in a user's image. Credit: Samuel Boivin / Contributor / NurPhoto via Getty Images Meta has patented a hypothetical LLM that would continue posting for (and as) you, long after you're dead. Granted in late December, the patent outlines an AI that would "simulate" a person's social media activity when they've been away from the platform for an extended period of time, including after they've died, according to an exclusive from Business Insider. It was first filed in 2023 by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth. A Meta spokesperson told the publication that they no longer have plans to move forward with the LLM concept. Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. Loading... Sign Me Up Use this instead By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! You May Also Like SEE ALSO: Economic strike effort: Quit these tech services Still, the patent for this type of AI-trained digital clone is now Meta's. In the original filing, the tech giant said it was designed to assist people who have strong social media presences, such as influencers who want to take a break from posting. Such a clone could comment, like, and even simulate video or audio calls with your followers on Meta accounts, in theory. "The impact on the users is much more severe and ...
