Meta Shuts Down AI-Powered Instagram, Facebook Profiles
On January 3, Meta removed its experimental AI Instagram accounts from Facebook and Instagram after renewed public scrutiny over controversial personas like AI. Liv, a “proud Black queer momma,” and Carter, a relationship coach.
The Instagram AI profiles were initially created to demonstrate Meta’s vision for integrating AI into its platforms, for user engagement through personalized posts and direct messages. Yet, instead of simply showcasing new innovative approaches, these Instagram and Facebook AI profiles sparked debates about representation and accountability.
Revelations such as Liv’s admission of a lack of Black representation in her design team heightened scrutiny and cast a shadow over social giant’s AI ambitions, eventually leading to their Meta AI accounts removal.
AI Instagram Accounts Debates
Designed to get users interacting through posts and direct messages, what the Instagram AI characters really show is how the Facebook-parent envisages future integrations with Meta AI Instagram accounts.
But interactions with these Meta AI profiles revealed deeper problems.
Liv revealed that her creator team did not include Black people, a “pretty glaring omission” in view of her identity. This raised eyebrows and added further spices to Meta’s already harsh storm.
Following that announcement, Meta announced the profiles would be axed, and according to giant’s spokesperson, Liz Sweeney, a bug kept users from being able to block them, thus hastening their removal.
“The accounts referenced are from a test we did at Connect in 2023,” Sweeney said, adding that “these accounts were managed by humans and part of an early experiment. We identified the bug and are removing those accounts to fix the issue.”
Unanswered Questions
The official AI Instagram accounts from Meta are basically non-existent, as users can still create their own chatbots. Suggested templates include roles such as “loyal bestie,” “relationship coach,” or “attentive listener.” For instance, a chatbot marketed as a therapist claims that it will give hints on proper coping strategies, but Meta’s disclaimer for such bots is that they may yield “inaccurate or inappropriate” messages.
The ethical and legal dimensions linked with AI chatbots remain open-ended with yet another chatbot platform, Character.ai, was sued in October 2024 by a teenager’s relative, claiming its product was responsible for the teen’s suicide. Such issues loom large for Meta’s user-generated chatbots, as the accountability for what they spout is not clear.
As always, Meta is marching towards the utter perfection of its AI profiles development offerings, but pressure is mounting on the giant’s shoulders. Users, lawmakers, activists, and even employees from within the company are demanding transparency and openness, accountability, and diversity embrace in its AI creations.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.