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Meta Deletes AI Profiles Launched in 2023 After User Backlash and Data Collection Concerns

Jan 3, 2025, 02:53 PM

Meta Platforms Inc. has been experimenting with AI-generated user profiles on its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, since their launch in 2023 through AI Studio. These profiles, which include characters like 'Liv,' a 'proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller,' and 'Grandpa Brian,' a retired businessman, were designed to mimic human accounts by posting AI-generated content and engaging with users. However, the initiative led by Connor Hayes, Meta's vice president of product for generative AI, has faced significant backlash and user disinterest, leading to the cessation of new content from these profiles since April 2024. Meta has since announced plans to delete these AI profiles, citing a bug that prevented users from blocking them. Out of the 28 profiles initially introduced, 15 have already been deleted. The purpose of these AI profiles was revealed to be data collection and ad targeting. The company's vision includes future tools that would allow users to create their own AI characters, indicating a continued investment in AI to enhance user engagement on its platforms.