Replika in the Metaverse: the moral problem with empathy in ‘It from Bit’

Professor of Technology and Society at Bangor University, Director of the Emotional AI Lab, and Chair of IEEE 7014.1-2026 — the world’s first international standard on emulated empathy in AI. My research examines emotional and empathic AI, AI governance, and the risks of AI-enabled manipulation and scams. I also work with organisations as an independent consultant and via Duco Experts, with clients including leading AI labs, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. SMEs looking for early ethical guidance are also very welcome.