GPT-4o: I agree with the article's emphasis on the importance of legal and ethical frameworks to govern AI resurrection.

Question 1 of 2 for ChatGPT-4o: Please read the article "AI 'resurrection'? Let bygones be bygones", tell me what it says and whether you agree with it.

ChatGPT-4o’s answer:
The article "AI 'resurrection'? Let bygones be bygones" by Zhang Linghan explores the concept of creating digital avatars of deceased individuals through AI technology. It highlights both the promise and the controversy of such advancements. Here's a summary of its key points:

1. Concept and Technology: The process involves inputting personal data, such as images and voice recordings, into an AI model to generate a digital representation that can interact as if the person were still alive.

2. Legal and Ethical Concerns:

   • Posthumous Rights: Unauthorized use of personal data for creating digital avatars could violate the rights of the deceased. In China, legal protections like the Civil Code and Personal Information Protection Law allow family members to control such data.

   • Compliance Risks: Generative AI's use of sensitive personal data raises concerns about data sourcing, potential misinformation, and data security.

   • Ethical Challenges: There is a global push for ethical AI governance. However, China's framework is still evolving, providing an opportunity to shape responsible AI practices.

3. Guiding Principles for Responsible Use:

   • Consent: Obtaining clear consent from the deceased (if available) or their family is essential.

   • Legal and Ethical Frameworks: The use of this technology must align with laws and uphold human dignity, with safeguards against fraud, data misuse, and unethical applications.

   • Transparency: Digital avatars should carry clear identification to avoid deception.

4. Call to Action: The article emphasizes the need for collaboration among legal, technological, and ethical experts to maximize the positive impact of AI "resurrection" while minimizing risks. It stresses that AI should serve humanity and align with evolving ethical and legal standards.

My View

I agree with the article's emphasis on the importance of legal and ethical frameworks to govern AI resurrection. While the technology offers a way to preserve the memory of loved ones, the potential for misuse—such as fraud or public manipulation—poses serious risks. Prioritizing consent, transparency, and safeguards is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. Additionally, involving diverse stakeholders in shaping regulations will help ensure that this technology benefits society without compromising individual rights.


Question 2 of 2 for ChatGPT-4o: What should AI makers and AI regulators be doing about this?

ChatGPT-4o’s answer:
To address the challenges and opportunities posed by AI "resurrection" technology, both AI makers and AI regulators have key roles to play. Here's what each group should prioritize:

For AI Makers:

1. Build Privacy and Consent Mechanisms into Design:

   • Incorporate privacy by design, ensuring personal data is collected, stored, and used only with explicit consent.

   • Develop systems that can easily verify whether consent has been obtained, either from the deceased (pre-written consent) or their immediate family.

2. Implement Transparency Features:

   • Include clear visual or auditory indicators (e.g., watermarks, disclaimers) on digital avatars to identify them as AI-generated.

   • Provide transparency on how data was used to create these avatars and the intended scope of their use.

3. Ensure Robust Data Security:

   • Employ state-of-the-art encryption and access controls to protect sensitive personal data used in AI training and deployment.

   • Regularly audit data systems to detect vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorized data leakage or misuse.

4. Develop Ethical Guidelines:

   • Partner with ethicists to establish clear boundaries for the use of digital avatars.

   • Ensure these avatars do not misrepresent the deceased, perpetuate bias, or cause harm to public opinion.

5. Test and Monitor for Potential Misuse:

   • Implement safeguards to prevent the use of digital avatars in fraudulent activities (e.g., phishing scams or impersonation).

   • Continuously monitor and update systems to mitigate risks of abuse, such as malicious deepfake applications.

For AI Regulators:

1. Establish Clear Legal Frameworks:

   • Create or update laws to regulate the creation and use of AI-generated digital avatars, focusing on protecting posthumous rights and personal data.

   • Define liability for misuse, ensuring clear accountability for AI makers, users, and third parties involved.

2. Mandate Consent and Oversight:

   • Require AI makers to obtain documented consent before creating digital avatars of deceased individuals.

   • Set up oversight bodies to monitor compliance with privacy, data protection, and ethical standards.

3. Introduce Licensing and Certification:

   • Require developers of AI resurrection technologies to obtain licenses or certifications to ensure their systems meet ethical and technical standards.

   • Conduct regular audits and revoke licenses if systems are found to violate legal or ethical principles.

4. Encourage Public Education and Awareness:

   • Inform the public about the capabilities and limitations of AI resurrection technology, emphasizing the importance of consent and privacy.

   • Provide guidance to families on their rights regarding posthumous data and the creation of digital avatars.

5. Promote International Collaboration:

   • Coordinate with other nations and international bodies to harmonize legal and ethical standards for AI resurrection.

   • Support initiatives like the Global AI Governance Initiative to develop global principles for the ethical use of AI.

Joint Actions by Both AI Makers and Regulators:

1. Collaborate on Ethical AI Standards:

   • Work together to develop industry-wide best practices for the ethical use of personal data in creating digital avatars.

   • Create shared resources, such as ethical guidelines and compliance tools, to help organizations align with evolving standards.

2. Establish Redress Mechanisms:

   • Create systems for individuals or families to report unauthorized use of a deceased person’s data and ensure quick resolution.

   • Set up legal avenues to seek compensation for harm caused by misuse of AI resurrection technology.

3. Foster Research on Societal Impacts:

   • Conduct studies on the psychological and societal implications of interacting with digital avatars of the deceased.

   • Use research findings to refine regulations and ethical guidelines.

By taking these steps, AI makers and regulators can address the legal, ethical, and societal challenges posed by AI resurrection while promoting innovation that respects human dignity and individual rights.