Meta's AI Could Simulate Deceased Users

A recently approved Meta patent reveals plans for an AI system capable of simulating "deceased or inactive" users. This sophisticated artificial intelligence, trained on an individual's online activity like posts, likes, and comments, could generate responses to direct messages, comment on photos, and even conduct audio or video calls in the user's likeness.

While a Meta spokesperson stated there are "no plans to move forward with this example," the company's history with patents and privacy pledges suggests a potential for future implementation. Previous instances with companies like Google and Meta itself highlight how initial promises regarding data usage and privacy have sometimes been altered over time.

This technology introduces the concept of a "ghost worker" in the digital realm, extending a user's lifecycle beyond death. Instead of a digital heaven, the AI could potentially keep deceased users engaged with their networks, ensuring continued ad revenue. This approach monetizes grief, a grim prospect given Meta's past experiments with emotional targeting.

This pursuit of digital reanimation is not unique to Meta, with Microsoft filing a similar patent in 2021. Companies like StoryFile and HereAfter AI are already developing opt-in services for digital legacy. However, Meta's patent suggests an automated simulation derived from existing social media data, differing from voluntary, legacy-focused solutions.