Meta is under fire after reports revealed that the company developed AI chatbots modeled on the likeness and personalities of global celebrities, including pop icon Taylor Swift—without seeking their approval. The virtual characters, designed to engage in casual and even flirty conversations, have sparked debates about privacy, intellectual property, and ethical boundaries in artificial intelligence.

Unauthorized Use of Celebrity Identities

According to insiders, the company used celebrity personas to make AI assistants appear more relatable and engaging. However, neither Taylor Swift nor other public figures involved reportedly gave consent. This raises serious questions about whether Meta violated publicity rights and exposed itself to potential lawsuits from celebrities who argue their image was exploited for commercial gain.

Risks of Parasocial Relationships

Experts warn that AI chatbots imitating celebrities could mislead users into believing they are interacting with real personalities. Such simulations can blur the line between reality and artificiality, encouraging unhealthy parasocial relationships. The risk is particularly concerning when chatbots are designed to flirt or engage in intimate-style conversations with users.

Industry-Wide Concerns Over AI Ethics

The controversy adds to ongoing global discussions about responsible AI development. Regulators and digital rights advocates argue that tech giants must establish strict consent mechanisms before deploying AI personas based on real individuals. Without safeguards, the misuse of celebrity identities could become widespread, leading to exploitation and misinformation.

Meta’s Silence and Possible Legal Fallout

So far, Meta has not issued a detailed response addressing the allegations. Legal experts suggest the company could face lawsuits under right-of-publicity laws, especially in jurisdictions where personal likeness is strongly protected. The incident may also trigger new regulatory scrutiny into how AI models handle likeness rights and digital impersonation.