During the annual ‘Qingming’ festival in China, millions of people visit their ancestors’ tombs to pay respect in a ritual known as the festival of ancestors or “tomb cleaning”. This year, a new and affordable way to connect with deceased loved ones has emerged: a moving digital avatar of the person who has passed away, costing just 20 yuan or £2.20.
Taiwanese singer Bao Xiaobai used artificial intelligence to create a video of his late daughter, who passed away at the age of 22 in 2022. Despite having only a short audio recording of her speaking in English, Bao spent over a year experimenting with AI technology to bring her back to life in a video where she sang happy birthday to her mother, posted in January.
The interest in digital clones of the deceased is growing as China’s artificial intelligence industry expands into human-like avatars. The market for “digital humans” was valued at 12 billion yuan in 2022 and is projected to quadruple by 2025. Chinese technology companies are proficient at creating digital humans due to the large number of internet live streamers who are increasingly using AI to create clones for commercial endorsements. SenseTime, a leading AI company in China, recently showcased its capabilities by using a digital clone of its founder, Tang Xiaoou, who passed away in December.
Social media users have also used AI to create new content featuring deceased individuals like singer Qiao Renliang, sparking debate on the ethics of resurrecting the dead without family consent. As mourners gather for the Ancestor Festival, China’s digital natives are exploring digital afterlives faster than regulations can keep up.
The tomb-cleaning festival provides a unique opportunity for this technology, with over 600 families already using it to reconnect with loved ones this year. The use of digital clones brings comfort and closure for those who miss their loved ones dearly.
In conclusion, China’s artificial intelligence industry is expanding rapidly and creating new ways for people to connect with their loved ones even after they pass away. While there may be ethical concerns about resurrecting the dead without family consent
