Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the way people remember their loved ones — and raising deep ethical questions. Once used only to preserve memories through photos and recordings, AI is now recreating lifelike digital versions of the deceased.

Around the world, grieving families are using AI to see and hear their loved ones again. Projects like Final Meeting in Russia allow users to upload photos of relatives killed in war to generate video messages or final goodbyes. A similar trend is growing in China, where companies like Silicon Intelligence offer “resurrection services” that turn a single photo into a talking digital avatar.

In India, AI has been used to digitally revive political leaders such as the late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for memorial events. In the United States, a family used a virtual recreation of a deceased veteran to deliver a message in court during his killer’s sentencing.

But the technology is also being used for propaganda. In Gaza, Hamas released an AI-generated video of its leader to mark the October 7th anniversary — not for mourning, but for messaging.

Critics warn that AI is blurring the line between life and death. Actress Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, condemned digital recreations of her father, calling them “Frankensteinian monsters.” Psychologists caution that these “digital ghosts” could prevent people from healing, turning grief into an endless replay of loss.

Despite ethical concerns, the “digital afterlife” industry is booming, projected to reach $80 billion globally by the next decade. Experts now question whether AI will help humans heal — or make it harder to let go.