Digital Recreations of Dead People Need Urgent Regulation, AI Ethicists Say
Digital recreations of deceased individuals are on the verge of becoming a reality, and researchers are calling for immediate regulation to address the potential psychological harm and ethical concerns associated with these “deadbots.” These AI-powered chatbots might allow users to upload conversations with their departed loved ones, effectively bringing them back to life in a virtual form.
The concept may initially seem appealing, especially to those who have lost someone close to them. For parents with terminal diseases, it might provide a way to leave behind a legacy for their children to interact with. Similarly, individuals who want to catalog their entire lives and create an interactive digital record may also find value in these services.
However, the researchers from the University of Cambridge caution that unscrupulous companies and thoughtless business practices might lead to lasting psychological harm and disrespect for the rights of the deceased. With rapid advancements in generative AI technology, almost anyone with internet access and basic knowledge can now revive a deceased loved one. This ethical minefield demands the prioritization of dignity and the prevention of financial exploitation within the digital followinglife services industry.
One potential risk lies in companies monetizing these digital legacy services through advertising. Imagine the discomfort of receiving suggestions from a digitally recreated loved one to order takeout instead of cooking from scratch, without having been consulted on whether their data might be used in such a way. Such practices undermine the sanctity of the deceased and can have a lasting impact on the emotional well-being of the living.
The concerns become even more pronounced when it comes to children using these services. Parents seeking to help their children cope with the loss of a parent may turn to deadbots for support. However, there is little evidence to suggest that this approach is psychologically beneficial. In fact, it might potentially disrupt the normal mourning process and cause significant damage to a vulnerable group.
To address these concerns and protect the dignity of the deceased, the researchers propose a set of recommendations, which may require regulatory enforcement. For instance, deadbots should be “retired” sensitively, and interactive features should be limited to adults only. Transparency regarding the operation and limitations of the artificial systems should also be ensured.
While the concept of recreating deceased loved ones through AI may sound like science fiction, recent examples demonstrate its feasibility. In one case, Joshua Barbeau used GPT-3, an AI model, to create a chatbot that simulated conversations with his deceased girlfriend. Additionally, MyHeritage developed Deep Nostalgia, a feature that animated still photos of users’ ancestors. These examples highlight the controversial nature of the technology and the need for careful consideration of its implications.
Looking ahead, there are important implications for the future of AI and the way we interact with digital representations of deceased individuals. The industry must prioritize ethical considerations, including user consent, age restrictions, and responsible advertising practices. Failure to do so might result in lasting harm to individuals and undermine trust in the broader AI ecosystem.
As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of human dignity. While creating immersive digital experiences may have its merits, we must approach these
