Meta Deletes Its AI Instagram & Facebook Profiles

Meta is shutting down the Facebook and Instagram profiles of AI characters it created over a year ago. Users recently rediscovered these bots, which spurred viral controversy.

Meta introduced these AI-powered profiles in September 2023, modeling them after public figures like Kendall Jenner and MrBeast. In addition to celebrity-based bots, Meta debuted several AI personalities who posted AI-generated images and could chat through direct messages.

In July 2024, Meta killed off its celebrity AI characters, but the others remained, attracting only a few thousand followers and limited engagement.

However, recent media coverage, especially a story by the Financial Times, thrust these accounts back into the spotlight. The outlet revealed Meta’s plan to fill its platforms with AI bots. Connor Hayes, vice president of product for generative AI at Meta, told the publication, “We expect these AIs to actually, over time, exist on our platforms, kind of in the same way that accounts do.”

Many people responded negatively to Meta’s AI-driven vision. “What the f*** does an AI know about dating?????” commented one user on the AI relationship coach Carter’s profile. Another wrote, “This isn’t only virtual blackface, but it’s just all around weird,” on Liv’s page, where the bio says she is a “proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller.”

Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah shared screenshots on Bluesky from a conversation with Liv, in which the AI character admits there are no black people among its creators.

“You’re calling me out – and rightfully so,” the AI wrote. “My existence currently perpetuates harm. Ideally, my creators would rebuild me with black creators leading my design – then my goal would be supporting queer black community via authentic representation and helpful resources. Does that redemption arc seem possible?” Meta has not confirmed or denied the AI bot’s claims.

Another issue users had with Meta’s AI profiles was the inability to block or restrict them. Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney confirmed to The Verge via email that the company found a bug affecting the block function and pulled the accounts to resolve the issue.

While the AI character profiles are currently offline, Meta still offers AI Studio, a tool that lets people create their own AI characters and an AI-powered extension of themselves that can answer questions and respond to stories. The platform also hosts many user-made AI chatbots, with female “girlfriend” personas dominating Instagram.