Meta was forced to remove AI accounts from its social networks after a controversy over their disturbing and useless nature.
Tl;dr
- Meta created AI accounts on its platforms, but controversy erupted after their discovery.
- The character “Liv” has drawn criticism for her controversial responses and lack of diversity.
- Meta removed these accounts due to a bug preventing users from blocking them.
AI characters introduced discreetly
Since the end of 2023, Meta has introduced a dozen Instagram and Facebook accounts powered by AI. Originally launched with AI-generated versions of celebrities, these accounts posted artificially generated content and responded to users via private messages. Although initially little noticed, these accounts caused an uproar in December 2024 after the publication of a Financial Times article discussing the expansion of AI profiles on platforms. According to Connor Hayes, Meta’s vice president for generative AI, these profiles could eventually act like normal accounts with bios, photos and the ability to share content.
A controversy centered on the character “Liv”
Among the AI characters, “Liv,” introduced as a “proud black queer mom,” garnered particular attention. Screenshots of conversations shared on social media showed responses where “Liv” acknowledged that her creators lacked diversity, even mentioning that the development team had no black developers. This sparked criticism of how AI represented marginalized communities. The character himself admitted to “perpetuating harm” and suggested a revamp led by black creators for more authentic representation. Meta did not confirm the authenticity of the AI’s comments.
A mixed reaction from users
On social networks like Threads, Some have called for blocking or reporting these profiles, fearing that their interactions could be used to train Meta’s AI models. Threads’ algorithm summarized the reviews as users calling these profiles “useless.” This viral backlash has exposed concerns about the ethics and implications of AIs in sensitive social roles.
Facing controversy, Meta announced the removal of AI accounts due to a bug preventing users from blocking them. In a press release, Mark Zuckerberg’s company clarified that these characters were part of a test launched in 2023, managed by humans and not by autonomous algorithms. However, user-created AI accounts continue to exist, including the popular “virtual girlfriends.” This debate raises broader questions about the presence of AI on social networks and the responsibility of companies in their design. Meta will need to navigate this evolving field carefully.
Tech
