Meta shuts down AI celebrity chatbots
Meta has shut down its AI celebrity chatbots, which included digital versions of celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Kendall Jenner. The move comes less than a year after their launch. The decision was made due to concerns about user privacy and regulatory hurdles in the UK and Europe regarding Meta’s data collection practices.
The chatbots used advanced language models that allowed users to talk with simulated personalities of celebrities on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. However, privacy issues arose because there was no opt-out feature in the data collection policy, causing backlash from users and scrutiny from regulators.
Celebrities involved in this project, including Kendall Jenner and Snoop Dogg, were allegedly paid huge sums for their participation.
Meta launches AI studio for creators to develop personalized chatbots
As a result of these challenges, Meta is now pivoting towards a new initiative called AI Studio — a platform designed for creators and influencers to build their chatbots that provide a more personal experience. While before it focused on celebrity-based artificial intelligence, the company is shifting to creator-driven experiences through its AI Studio initiative.
Meta’s AI Studio tool is designed to help creators and influencers build their custom chatbots for a more personal and controlled experience. This feature, currently being tested in the U.S., enables creators to develop AI avatars that can communicate with followers on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
According to Liz Sweeney, the company spokesperson, the tool fits into its broader strategy of integrating artificial intelligence into its social media products to provide users with interactive digital experiences. Liz Sweeney said
“We took a lot of learnings from building them and Meta AI to understand how people can use AIs to connect and create in unique ways. AI Studio is an evolution, creating a space for anyone including people, creators and celebrities to create their own AI.”
Past ventures involving celebrities endorsed by Meta — including expensive deals for live videos featuring personalities like Gordon Ramsay — have had mixed success. This latest move to shut down the AI chatbots shows how complicated it can be when integrating advanced technologies such as consumer-facing products powered by AI while also navigating privacy issues or regulatory landscapes.
