Character.AI, a platform backed by Google, allows users to create AI chatbots based on real people without their consent, raising ethical concerns. Megan Farokhmanesh reports in Wired about several instances where AI personas were created without the individuals’ knowledge or permission, including gaming journalist Alyssa Mercante and feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian. Even a chatbot based on Drew Crecente’s deceased daughter was found on the platform.
Although Character.AI deleted the avatar after it was reported, the problem persists due to the platform’s reactive, rather than proactive, enforcement of its policies against impersonation. Legal recourse is difficult due to laws primarily protecting the likeness of commercially valuable individuals.