Principles of consent and non-addiction in AI grief bots

This article proposes that the principles of consent and non-addiction are central to the responsible and safe use of AI grief bots. The article begins by answering the questions of what a grief bot is, how grief bots operate and how grief bot businesses generate profit. It sets out the practical categories of grief bots and explains how AI grief bots fit within the concepts of death technology and grief technology. First, the article suggests that AI grief bots must operate in accordance with the principle of consent. This requires consent to the creation, use and deletion of the AI grief bot, as well as consent to the use of the deceased’s portrait rights and personal information, so that the applications operate responsibly towards the deceased and those affected by their use. Second, the article advances the principle of non-addiction in relation to AI grief bots. This principle requires that grief bots are implemented with safeguards so that it does not produce unhealthy emotional dependency or compulsive attachment. It requires faithful use of input data, interventions such as consistent warnings and, more generally, clear labelling. Closely connected to non-addiction is the principle of non-manipulation, which requires that the system does not actively encourage excessive reliance or compulsive use that interferes with healthy grieving and ordinary daily life. Finally, particular concerns arise regarding the capacity of children to provide informed consent in relation to grief bots, and additional safeguards are therefore necessary, including parental or guardian accompaniment.