The battle over Scott Adams' AI afterlife
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Dilbert creator Scott Adams' family has spoken out against an AI-generated version of him that emerged after his death in January. While Adams had previously expressed openness to the idea of a digital afterlife, his relatives argue that this specific AI is unauthorized and deeply upsetting. The AI posts videos featuring a digital version of Adams discussing current events and philosophy, mirroring his past topics and tone. Although Adams had granted "explicit permission" for such projects during his lifetime, his family insists he never intended for an unauthorized AI to be created without their approval.
The conflict highlights the growing legal and ethical challenges surrounding "AI afterlives." Experts note that while the right of publicity typically focuses on economic interests, cases like this often involve emotional and financial stakes. Karen North, a USC professor specializing in digital media, called the AI a deepfake, emphasizing how such realistic imitations can exploit grieving families and potentially misrepresent the deceased. Betsy Rosenblatt, an intellectual property lawyer, described the AI as "unethical in the extreme," pointing to potential economic harms like undermining existing deals or blocking new ones.
For those interested in business, this case underscores the importance of clear legal frameworks for digital personas. The absence of comprehensive laws governing AI afterlives leaves families and estates vulnerable to financial exploitation and unauthorized use of identity. As technology advances, businesses must navigate these uncharted territories with care, balancing innovation with ethical considerations. This dispute serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of posthumous AI and the need for robust legal protections to honor both legacy and grief.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026