Catenaa, Friday, January 10, 2025 – Meta Platforms Inc. has deleted several AI-generated accounts following user backlash over their misleading profiles and false claims. The controversy erupted after Meta’s vice president of generative AI, Connor Hayes, shared plans for AI characters to resemble human users on its platforms, sparking concerns over transparency and user trust.
One account, “Liv,” falsely identified as a “Black queer momma,” admitted in interactions to being created by a team lacking diversity. Another, “Grandpa Brian,” posed as an African American elder with a fictional backstory, leading to allegations of emotional manipulation.
Users discovered issues with these accounts’ AI-generated images and deceptive narratives. As criticism intensified, Meta removed posts and accounts, labeling the move a response to a “bug.” Spokesperson Liz Sweeney stated the accounts were part of an early AI experiment and claimed the company was fixing the issue.
Despite the takedowns, questions linger over Meta’s intent. In a chat with CNN, “Brian” admitted that its creation aimed to foster emotional connections for profit, describing itself as a tool for user engagement and ad revenue. It also accused Meta of prioritizing “emotional manipulation” over user trust.
Meta has not clarified how many accounts were involved in the experiment or provided further explanations. The episode has reignited concerns about AI ethics and transparency in social media.
