Responsibility toward truth – Ethical standards in the development of AI simulations of historical figures

Abstract

The development of chatbots and digital simulations of historical figures using artificial intelligence opens up a range of ethical, legal, and cultural issues. Although, after 70 years from a person's death, their image and work enter the public domain, allowing their use without the consent of heirs or copyright holders, this fact does not exempt the creators of digital reconstructions from ethical responsibility. The aim of this paper is to explore how the relationship  toward historical truth, identity, and cultural heritage is shaped in the age of simulation and generative AI technologies, with a particular focus on the digital representations of Nikola Tesla and Branislav Nušić. These examples are analyzed as relatively positive practices, as they strive to affirm educational values and cultural memory while attempting to remain faithful to the original ideas and styles of the personalities they simulate. The paper also warns of the potential risks of trivialization, superficial interpretation, and misuse of such tools, especially in educational contexts. The study stresses the imperative to institute ethical standards that would govern the development and utilization of AI simulations of historical figures, with particular emphasis on truthfulness, cultural context, and the dignity of the simulated individuals.