The Emergence of AI Resurrection Technology
The advent of AI technology has unlocked a fascinating, yet controversial, possibility: the ‘resurrection’ of deceased individuals. This process involves inputting a person’s voice, image, and other personal data into an artificial intelligence model, which is then trained to generate a digital avatar capable of interacting as though the deceased person were still alive.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
While the underlying technology is not new, the application of deep synthesis and generative AI to create these avatars raises complex questions about its legal and ethical implications, particularly regarding privacy, consent, and potential misuse.
Preserving Memories and Violating Rights
At its core, the purpose of AI’s ‘resurrection’ technology is to preserve the memory of loved ones. However, when misused, it could result in serious violations of personal rights, leading to potential dangers, including fraud and manipulation of public opinion.
Compliance Risks
Key compliance issues involve the sourcing of training data, generating misleading information, and ensuring the security of personal data. If AI-generated content misrepresents the deceased or is used to deceive others, it could lead to misinformation and potential harm.
Ethical Governance of AI
The ethical governance of AI has become a central issue globally. The importance of a human-centered, benevolent approach to AI development is emphasized in various documents advocating for improved ethical frameworks.
Principles for Responsible Use
For responsible use of AI resurrection technology, consent is paramount. Prior to creating a digital avatar, consent should be obtained from the deceased or their family members, and data use must adhere to legal principles of fairness and transparency.
Ensuring Legal Soundness and Ethical Integrity
To prevent misuse, identification markers should inform users that they are interacting with a digital avatar of a deceased person. Furthermore, a robust ethical framework must ensure that digital avatars respect individual freedoms and human dignity.
Looking Ahead
As AI continues to evolve, establishing guidelines that promote positive impact while minimizing harm becomes essential. A collaborative effort from legal authorities, technologists, and ethicists will be crucial in developing frameworks for responsible AI use.
The author is a professor at the Institute for Data Law at China University of Political Science and Law and an expert at the United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence.
The views don’t necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
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