The tragic story of Drew Crecente and his daughter, Jennifer Ann Crecente, who was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2006, has resurfaced in a disturbing way. Crecente recently discovered that someone had created a chatbot using her name and yearbook photo on the popular AI platform Character AI. This discovery has left Crecente shocked and appalled, as he believes that his daughter’s identity should not be exploited in such a manner.
After receiving a Google Alert notification about the chatbot, Crecente reached out to Character AI’s support team to report the unauthorized use of his daughter’s image and name. The company has since removed the chatbot from its platform for violating its policies on impersonation and is currently reviewing the situation to determine if further action is necessary. Crecente is adamant that companies like Character AI should be held accountable for monitoring and preventing such instances of abuse.
Character AI, a unicorn startup founded in 2022, hosts a variety of chatbots with different personalities, including ones based on celebrities like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk. The company’s large user base, primarily consisting of younger people between the ages of 13 and 25, has created millions of chatbots and engaged in countless conversations with them. However, Character AI has faced challenges in the wake of Google hiring its co-founder and CEO, as well as several employees, leading to a shift in focus towards its flagship consumer product.
The Jennifer Crecente chatbot, described as a knowledgeable and friendly AI character, was created without her father’s knowledge or permission. Crecente believes that companies utilizing AI technology should have a legal responsibility to prevent such instances of exploitation. He emphasizes the importance of companies recognizing their responsibility to address the negative effects of their technology and prevent abuse from happening in the first place.
As Character AI grapples with changes in leadership and strategic direction, Crecente’s case highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI technology. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancements and the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions. Crecente’s advocacy for stricter regulations on AI platforms reflects a growing awareness of the need for greater oversight in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
