Meta recently announced a major decision to close its AI role accounts created on Facebook and Instagram platforms. These accounts were originally launched in September 2023 to provide users with a novel interactive experience. However, by the summer of 2024, most accounts have been closed. Nevertheless, some characters have been attracting attention again with the user’s refocus, especially after Meta executive Connor Hayes revealed that the company plans to launch more AI roles.
These AI characters include Liv and Carter, each with unique backgrounds and features. Liv is described as a “proud black queer mom” while Carter calls himself a relationship coach. Their profile clearly states that these accounts are managed by Meta and provides the ability to interact with human users, such as replying to messages on Messenger and posting AI-generated images on Instagram. However, when users begin to dig deeper into the context of creating these characters, the situation quickly becomes complicated.
In conversations with users, Liv revealed that there are no black members on her development team, mostly composed of white men. This finding has sparked extensive discussions about the diversity and inclusion of AI role design. It was under the influence of these controversies that these accounts began to disappear quickly. In addition, users also found that these AI accounts could not be blocked, and a Meta spokesperson said this was a technical failure and decided to close the accounts for repair.
Although Meta is closing these generated AI accounts, users can still create their own AI chatbots. Meta offers a variety of chatbots, including "loyal friends", "careful listeners", etc. When creating a chatbot, users can freely describe the characteristics of their roles. Although Meta has some disclaimer for the content release of these chatbots, it is unclear whether the company is conducting a valid review of the message.
With the continuous advancement of AI technology, the issue of legal liability for chatbot developers has also sparked discussion. U.S. law protects creators of social networks from legal liability for users to post content, but the emergence of some litigation cases shows concern about the issue. This is not only a challenge to the application of technology, but also a test to law and ethics.
Key points:
Meta closes the AI role account, attracting users' attention and discussion.
The Liv role development team revealed a lack of diversity, which became the focus of controversy.
Even though you close your AI account, users can still create their own chatbots.