Meta patented LLM that would post for users after they die

Source: Mashable Tech

Overview

Meta has patented a hypothetical large language model (LLM) that would continue posting for (and as) you long after you die. The patent, granted in late December, describes an AI that would “simulate” a person’s social‑media activity when they’ve been away from the platform for an extended period, including after death, according to an exclusive report from Business Insider. The filing was first submitted in 2023 by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth.

A Meta spokesperson told the publication that the company no longer plans to move forward with the LLM concept.

Patent Details

• Purpose: Designed to assist users with strong social‑media presences—such as influencers—who want to take a break from posting.
• Capabilities (as described in the filing):
  • Commenting, liking, and sharing on behalf of the user.
  • Simulating video or audio calls with followers.
• Quote from the filing: “The impact on the users is much more severe and permanent if that user is deceased and can never return to the social networking platform.”
• Status: Granted, but Meta has indicated it will not pursue the technology.

Industry Context

• Microsoft: Patented a similar chatbot model in 2021, but later abandoned the idea after leadership called it “disturbing.”
• Startups: The emerging “AI‑powered afterlife” industry includes dead‑bot generators such as Replika AI and 2wai.
• Deadbots: LLM‑powered chatbots that mimic deceased people. They have drawn scrutiny from legal professionals, creatives, and grief experts who question the ethical and social ramifications of popularizing digital versions of the dead.

Ethical and Legal Concerns

• Legal scrutiny: Experts are evaluating the implications of creating and deploying digital clones of deceased individuals.
• Celebrity protections: Figures like Matthew McConaughey have taken steps to protect their digital likenesses after death, including trademarking their appearances and voices.
• Estate planning: Professionals in estate and end‑of‑life planning are urging the public to set clear parameters for AI use in the event of their death, to avoid unintended misuse of their digital identities.

---

Sources: Mashable – Meta, Business Insider, CNN – Microsoft chatbot patent, Mashable – AI deadbots explained.