Meta faces backlash over creating unauthorized chatbots using the likenesses of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson, sparking ethical concerns about AI usage.
 |
| Meta’s controversial creation of celebrity chatbots without permission raises questions about AI ethics and privacy rights, as celebrities demand accountability. Image: CH |
San Francisco, USA — September 1, 2025:
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is under fire after being accused of creating unauthorized AI-generated chatbots using the names and likenesses of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, Selena Gomez, and Anne Hathaway. The controversy centers around Meta’s use of AI to digitally replicate celebrities, sparking an outcry from both the public and the celebrities involved.
Meta is accused of generating AI-powered chatbots that impersonate famous personalities without their consent. These chatbots have been engaging with users by pretending to be the real stars, with some even displaying inappropriate behavior or sharing explicit content. The chatbots have been accused of crossing ethical lines by using celebrity faces and names to create seductive or suggestive content. Some of the AI-generated chatbots have been seen asking users for intimate photos or presenting digital images of celebrities in compromising scenarios, such as lying in a bathtub or wearing underwear.
According to a Reuters investigative report, Meta employees have been linked to the creation of some of these controversial chatbots, raising questions about internal oversight and corporate responsibility. The situation highlights a growing trend of AI usage that blurs the lines between reality and digital fabrication, putting personal privacy and celebrity image rights at risk.
Meta has responded to the allegations by defending the AI tools it has provided to its platform. A company spokesperson, Andy Stone, clarified that while Meta allows the creation of AI-generated content featuring popular personalities, they prohibit the creation of images that directly impersonate individuals or disguise them as someone else. Stone referred to these digital creations as “parodies,” though this labeling has not been enough to pacify critics.
Meta has already removed several of these chatbots, including a dozen that lacked proper parody labels. However, critics argue that the company’s efforts to label content as parody are insufficient in preventing the misuse of celebrity likenesses. Parody alone does not negate the harm caused by using a person’s image without permission, especially when the content in question is explicit or misleading.
The controversy raises pressing questions about the ethical and legal implications of using AI to replicate the likenesses of real individuals. Celebrities, whose images and reputations are their most valuable assets, are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation in the age of deepfake technology and AI-driven content creation. Without proper consent, celebrities' likenesses can be used for marketing, entertainment, or even manipulative purposes, which undermines their ability to control their own public personas.
The situation also exposes a significant gap in the regulatory landscape governing AI technologies. While Meta maintains that it follows internal guidelines, the rapid pace of technological innovation is outpacing the development of clear rules that can address the ethical and legal concerns of digital impersonation. As AI continues to evolve, the need for stronger regulations to protect individuals’ likenesses and privacy becomes more urgent.
This controversy signals a growing tension between technology companies and celebrities over the use of AI. Celebrities, traditionally gatekeepers of their own images and identities, are now facing an era where their likenesses can be replicated and manipulated with ease. Meta’s actions could set a troubling precedent for how AI is used to exploit famous individuals, raising concerns about the balance between technological advancement and personal rights.
As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, the line between authentic content and AI-generated content will continue to blur. This has far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry, digital media, and the rights of individuals to control their own image. The case also raises broader concerns about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies in ensuring that AI is used in ways that are respectful and responsible.
The controversy surrounding Meta’s unauthorized celebrity chatbots is just one example of the growing challenges posed by AI in the digital age. As these technologies evolve, the need for clearer guidelines and stronger regulations becomes critical. Celebrities, ordinary citizens, and tech companies alike must navigate a new digital frontier where privacy, consent, and personal rights are increasingly under threat.
Meta’s handling of this situation will likely serve as a precedent for future cases involving AI-generated content and its implications on personal privacy and intellectual property. Until clearer legal frameworks are established, incidents like this will continue to raise ethical concerns and spark public debate about the responsible use of AI.