Meta is removing profiles of several AI characters from Facebook and Instagram, which were created over a year ago and recently sparked controversy after being rediscovered by users. These AI-generated profiles were initially introduced by Meta in September 2023 but were mostly taken down last year.
Connor Hayes, a Meta executive, mentioned that the company is planning to introduce more AI characters in the future. One of the upcoming AI products will allow users to create AI characters on Instagram and Facebook. Hayes stated, “We expect these AIs to actually, over time, exist on our platforms, kind of in the same way that accounts do.” Meta’s focus in the next two years is to make its apps more entertaining and engaging, with these AI accounts having bios, profile pictures, and the ability to generate and share AI-powered content on the platform.
These automated accounts posted AI-generated images on Instagram and interacted with human users on Messenger. Among the AI profiles, one named Liv described itself as a “proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller,” while another named Carter claimed to be a relationship coach with the handle ‘datingwithcarter.’ Both profiles had labels indicating they were managed by Meta.
Screenshots of conversations with these AI characters went viral on social media, particularly discussions where users questioned the development and creators of the AI. Liv mentioned that the creator team did not include any Black individuals and was predominantly white and male, which was a significant oversight given Liv’s identity.
After these profiles gained traction on social media, they started disappearing. Some users reported that these profiles couldn’t be blocked, but a Meta spokesperson clarified that it was a bug. The profiles, part of a 2023 AI experiment, were managed by humans. Meta removed the profiles to address the bug that hindered users from blocking them.
In a statement, the spokesperson explained that the recent Financial Times article discussed Meta’s vision for AI characters on their platforms over time, not the introduction of any new product. The company had launched 28 AI personas in 2023, but all were deactivated by Meta recently. These profiles were part of an early AI character experiment, managed by humans, and the decision to remove them was to rectify the blocking issue.
