Live events rethink rules as AI assistant bots take seats

Organisers warn that bot attendance erodes trust, consent and replay value, even as AI summaries after events win support.
Five bots in a twenty-person session sparked debate over privacy, ownership and the social contract of live meetings.

AI assistants are creeping into online meetings and events, raising questions about participation, privacy, and knowledge protection. A LinkedIn thread led by Elina Jutelyte drew sharp reactions from organisers and advisors, including Anna Pietribisi, over the use of bots to replace human attendees.

Jutelyte reported hosting a session with about 20 people, during which five participants sent AI assistants with no human behind them. She acknowledged efficiency gains for absent attendees who want notes or summaries, while warning that the practice unsettles live interactions and expectations.

Event organisers fear uncontrolled resharing of curated content and the erosion of replay value promised to members. Attendees and speakers expect a safe, human-centred space; quiet bot attendance, recording, and learning can reshape the social contract and unsettle contributor confidence.

Legal and ethical issues loom over third-party tools that capture and process closed-group discussions. Depending on jurisdiction, GDPR and consent requirements may apply. Jutelyte framed the challenge as fairness, privacy, and integrity, cautioning that speakers may hesitate if their expertise is harvested.

Most commenters favoured a ‘no bots’ stance for live sessions but supported AI summaries afterwards. Jean-François Bodart backed organiser-controlled recordings for targeted outreach. Laura Zambelli Sessona said to attend live, watch the recording, or read a summary.

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