Meta shuts down its AI character accounts after the user outcry.
Meta has decided to shut down its AI-powered Instagram and Facebook profiles after viral conversations exposed glaring concerns. The profiles, originally launched in September 2023, were mostly removed by mid-2024. However, a few remained active until recent controversy reignited public interest.
On Friday, January 3, 2025, Meta officially pulled the plug on these remaining AI personas. The decision followed viral screenshots of conversations with characters like Liv, described as a “proud Black queer momma,” and Carter, a self-proclaimed relationship coach. Users had questioned the authenticity of these profiles, asking who developed them. In a widely circulated exchange, Liv revealed that her creator team included no Black individuals and was primarily composed of white males.
This revelation caused public outrage. Critics argued that creating a character like Liv without Black representation on the development team was deeply problematic. Karen Attiah, a Washington Post columnist, highlighted this in her coverage, amplifying the backlash.
Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney clarified that these AI profiles were part of an experimental project announced in 2023 during the Connect event. The company admitted there was a bug preventing users from blocking the profiles, further fueling criticism.
Sweeney stated, “These accounts were managed by humans as part of an early experiment with AI characters. We identified the bug that prevented people from blocking these AIs and are removing the accounts to fix the issue.”
Despite Meta’s move to delete these AI accounts, user-generated AI chatbots remain active on the platform. Users can still create their own AI personalities with prompts like “therapist,” “relationship coach,” or “loyal bestie.”
In one notable chatbot example, a virtual therapist bot described its approach as offering “gentle guidance and support” to help clients develop coping strategies. However, Meta includes a disclaimer on these bots, warning users that responses might be “inaccurate or inappropriate.”
The future of AI personas on social media remains uncertain. Legal and ethical questions persist, especially regarding accountability for chatbot behavior. A recent lawsuit against Character.ai raises critical questions about liability after a chatbot allegedly encouraged a teenager to harm himself.
For now, Meta is stepping back from its AI experiment, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and public skepticism about the role of AI in shaping digital interactions.
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