Meta removes these AIs after controversies and accusations of racism
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- Downloads:
207 - Release date:
12/18/2024 - Author :
Facebook Inc - License:
Free license - Categories:
Internet – Communication
- Operating system:
Android, Online service, Windows 10/11, iOS iPhone / iPad
The decision comes after Connor Hayes, vice president of generative AI products at Meta, was interviewed at Financial Times. Several Internet users have discovered these virtual characters created in 2023 which have since caused controversy on social networks.
In this interview, Connor Hayes shared his vision of AI-generated characters on Facebook and Instagram: “We anticipate that these AIs will exist on our platforms like normal accounts, with bios, profile photos, and the ability to generate and share AI-powered content.”
Several AI-powered virtual characters have ceased to publish or exist according to 404 Media but since then, Internet users have started looking for these profiles. The online investigation launched a heated controversy with accusations of racism.
One of the examples is that of a “Liv”described as a “proud queer black mom of 2 & truth teller.” In conversations with Karen Attiah, columnist for the Washington PostLiv admitted that its creators “lacked diverse references” and that no black people participated in its design. It would therefore be a profile created solely for the purpose of surfing on social issues. Another example: “Grandpa Brian”a retired black businessman and “Carter”a dating coach.
The discovery of these profiles sparked controversy on several social networks outside Meta such as X, Threads or Bluesky. Meta has therefore removed all of the 28 AI characters announced in September 2023. One of the company's spokespersons speaks of a “bug” which prevents blocking these fake users. Hence their deletion.
“There was some confusion: the recent Financial Times article talked about our vision for the future of AI characters on our platforms, and did not announce a new product. The accounts mentioned were part of an experiment early with AI characters, managed by humans We identified the bug that prevented users from blocking these AI and are removing these accounts to resolve the issue. Meta says.
