China’s annual tomb-sweeping ritual has taken a digital turn, allowing users to create virtual versions of their deceased relatives. In the midst of mixed emotions, ethical implications abound.
Via online platforms, digital replicas of loved ones can be constructed to send greeting messages on holidays. Some people find solace in these virtual echoes; others, however, are disconcerted.
One example of digital resurrection comes from Taiwanese artist Bao Xiaobai who, using artificial intelligence, created a digital avatar of his deceased daughter, much to mixed reactions.
Technology is reshaping cultural norms. Traditional rituals are woven together with digital elements, bridging our physical world with the digital realm. The boundary-pushing use of AI is indeed sparking discussions about memory, grief, and technology.
Chinese artificial intelligence is on the rise.
Ethics of digital resurrection in China
In 2022, digital human representations were valued at 12bn yuan, a number expected to quadruple by 2025.
The demand for more intricate virtual experiences continues to grow, signaling a progressively immersive tech scene in China.
The ‘digital human’ sector is showing unprecedented potential. By 2025, the market could be worth a staggering 48bn yuan.
This AI stride doesn’t come without controversy. In the circuit of increasing popularity, unauthorized usage of old footage to produce digital avatars like famously that of Qiao Renliang has raised questions about emotional distress inflicted on the families of the departed.
A discussion about dignity, privacy, and moral judgement is being fueled by these issues, underlining the potential misuse and disturbing consequences of such powerful technology.
Regulations are being proposed to mitigate potential harm and to govern personal security, privacy rights and intellectual property related to digital cloning.
Change is afoot. Scholars predict further explorations in digital cloning during the tomb-sweeping festival. All the while, legislations are being drafted, taking into account the highly sensitive nature of the technology.
An exciting era beckons as synthetic biology steps into new territories, but the road to ethical and effective regulation promises to be full of challenges.
