The emergence of AI deadbots, which generate personas of deceased loved ones, has sparked ethical debates about digital dignity and emotional distress. Cambridge University scientists urge the establishment of effective safety rules to ensure the development of AI deadbots without harming users. The lack of ethical standards and regulations in the digital afterlife area raises concerns about the potential for psychological harm and exploitation.

AI deadbots, or digital reanimations of the deceased, are becoming a reality, and experts warn that regulation is necessary to prevent users from suffering emotional distress. Some companies offer services that create chatbots using saved conversations with a lost loved one, raising concerns about the potential for emotional manipulation and exploitation.

The researchers suggest that daily interactions with AI deadbots can have a profound emotional impact, potentially hindering the grieving process. They emphasize the need for ethical guidelines to ensure that the dignity of the deceased is respected and that users are protected from potential harm.

The commercialization of digital legacy infrastructure through ads and the involvement of children in the process are particularly risky, according to the researchers. They propose best practices, including protocols for "retiring" deadbots, limiting interactive functions to adults only, and transparency with customers, to ensure the dignity of the dead and the psychological well-being of the living.

The technology is not limited to chatbots, with genealogy sites and apps also using AI to generate digital personas of the deceased. As the technology advances, it is crucial to prioritize ethics to facilitate responsible development and protect digital dignity.