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Mauricio Figueroa

Mauricio’s research focuses on the exploration of people’s internet activity after they die, in terms of access and ownership.

Project title

Exploring the Sociotechnical Concerns of Digital Reincarnation: A Legal Analysis of 'Ghostbots’.

Supervisors

Lilian Edwards (primary supervisor), Ben Farrand (secondary supervisor) and Edina Harbinja (external supervisor, Aston University)

Abstract

In recent years, chatbots have undergone significant developments in both their architecture and application. Some of them have transitioned from systems based on a fixed, predefined set of rules to incorporating Machine Learning (ML) techniques to conduct human-like conversations. Some chatbots even display anthropomorphic features and are designed to resemble and emulate deceased individuals. Mauricio refers to this type of system as "ghostbots", which are now available in a small but growing sector of the digital economy landscape.

These technological advancements raise critical legal concerns regarding their development, commercialisation, and use. In this context, Mauricio's research aims to understand the legal impact of ghostbots and the ways to mitigate the potential harm these systems may cause.

Funding

Northern Bridge Consortium – Doctoral Training Program

The Alan Turing Institute (Enrichment Scheme & Community Award)

 

Conferences

‘Til Death Do Us Share’: The Law and Social Norms of Digital Remains, Tel Aviv University, 2022. [Paper presentation]

Gikii, Reykjavik, University of Iceland, School of Law, 2022. [Oral presentation]

11th Intensive Doctoral Week, organised by Sciences Po Law School and Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense University, in Paris, France, 2022. [Oral presentation and discussant]

Postgraduate stream of the 14th Biennial Modern Studies in Property Law Conference, St. John’s College, University of Oxford, 2022. [Oral presentation]

11th FODERTICS Conference at University of Salamanca, Spain, 2022. [Paper presentation]

Publications

Figueroa-Torres, Mauricio, "Big tech platforms, democracy and the law: Global problems, legal perspectives and the Mexican experience" Mexican Law Review 15, no. 2 (2023): 3-22.

Figueroa-Torres, Mauricio, 3D Avatars, graveyards, and the Law, Computers & Law News Review January 2023.

Figueroa-Torres, Mauricio, (2022) 'Ghostbots, the Quest for Digital Immortality and the Law', JURIST, 18 January. Available at: Ghostbots, the Quest for Digital Immortality and the Law - JURIST - Commentary - Legal News & Commentary.

Qualification

Introduction to learning and Teaching in Higher Education (ILTHE) certification (Newcastle University)

LLM (Magna Cum Laude) from Tel Aviv University (Israel)

LLB (with honours) from the National University of Mexico (UNAM, Mexico)

Law School research group membership

Law and Futures

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