Digital Afterlives

In many cultures, calling upon the past is a delicate act—sometimes even a transgression. Who are we to disturb the rest of those who came before us, reawakening their memory to suit the needs of the living? And yet, the desire to summon the past is growing. From AI-driven projects to immersive experiences, a new wave of technological creators is crafting “consciousnesses” from history, going beyond capturing mere snapshots or moments. This endeavor brings not only technical challenges but also faces a profound legal and ethical vacuum. How do we responsibly engage with the digital resurrection of past figures? Can this access to knowledge pave the way for utopias of peace, justice, and equality?

This panel explores the inspiring potential of these technologies while critically assessing the frameworks needed to ensure that our pursuit of the past does not threaten the present.