Death isn't the end: Meta patented an AI that lets you keep posting from beyond the grave (www.businessinsider.com)

Meta has recently been granted a patent for an AI technology that allows for the simulation of a person’s social media activity post-mortem. This concept involves training a large language model (LLM) using the user’s historical data—such as posts, comments, and likes—to create a digital clone capable of interacting on platforms like Instagram or Facebook as if the person were still alive. Although a Meta spokesperson clarified that the company has "no plans to move forward" with this technology, the patent raises intriguing questions about digital legacy and the ethics surrounding post-mortem social media engagement. This development is significant for the AI/ML community as it highlights the intersection of technology with deep philosophical and ethical concerns regarding grief and digital identity. The ability to maintain a social media presence even after death not only extends the notion of digital immortality but also raises questions about privacy, consent, and the emotional impact on those left behind. Experts in digital rights and sociology emphasize the potential confusion this technology could sow in the grieving process, suggesting that while it may provide a form of comfort, it also risks complicating human relationships with memory and loss. As tech companies explore "grief tech," this patent illustrates a growing trend toward digital life enhancement that may challenge societal norms surrounding death and mourning.