The unveiling of “Digital Marilyn,” an AI chatbot designed to resemble and converse like Marilyn Monroe, has sparked a heated debate within the tech industry. The use of artificial intelligence in recreating deceased celebrities raises important ethical considerations, particularly in terms of consent, exploitation, and responsible use of this technology.
Soul Machines, a company specializing in “Biological AI-powered Digital People,” introduced Digital Marilyn at SXSW in partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which owns the rights to Monroe’s likeness. The chatbot, powered by GPT 3.5, is touted as “hyper-real” and capable of engaging in conversations with fans for up to 20 minutes, complete with emotional responses and nuanced expressions.
However, the controversy lies in the fact that while living celebrities like Mark Tuan, Francis Ngannou, and Jack Nicklaus presumably consented to their digital representations, deceased celebrities like Marilyn Monroe cannot provide their input. This raises questions about the ethical implications of replicating a deceased individual without their explicit consent.
Industry figures like Zelda Williams have expressed concerns about the commercialization of deceased celebrities’ likenesses without proper authorization. Actors’ unions are also advocating for stronger protections against studios potentially using AI clones of celebrities without permission.
The timing of Soul Machines’ announcement, coinciding with International Women’s Day, has added another layer of scrutiny to the debate. Does exploiting the likeness of a deceased female celebrity truly honor and celebrate women?
The case of “Digital Marilyn” highlights the ethical complexities surrounding AI development in the realm of celebrity representation. As AI technology continues to advance, it is crucial to engage in open dialogue that addresses issues of consent, exploitation, and responsible application of AI in recreating public figures.