Welcome to DDI
Protecting human dignity
in the age of AI replicas
What We Provide You
Featured Publication
White Paper · 2025
Silence Is Not Consent: A Framework for Posthumous AI Replica Governance
Digital Ghosts and Griefbots are no longer relegated to science fiction. As AI systems grow capable of recreating the voices, likenesses, and decision patterns of deceased individuals, the absence of explicit objection cannot be treated as permission. This paper proposes a binding governance framework grounded in affirmative consent, fiduciary accountability, and the right to posthumous dignity.
Developed in collaboration with international ethics philosophers, bioethicists, and thanatologists.
Our Research Areas
"We believe the rapid advance of artificial intelligence demands a new framework for human dignity — one grounded in ethics, policy, and the irreplaceable value of human experience."
Digital Dignity Institute
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Leading with ambition and purpose
MANAGEMENT BOARD
Board Chair
Emily Bauman
Emily founded the Digital Dignity Institute on the conviction that the rapid advance of artificial intelligence demands new ethical and legal frameworks — ones that place human dignity, agency, and rights at the centre of technological governance.
Board Secretary
Abigail Blue
Abigail brings deep expertise in nonprofit growth, strategy, and institutional governance. She oversees the Institute's board operations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with its mission.
Board Treasurer
Laureen O'Hara Abeyta
Laureen provides governance leadership and institutional memory, ensuring the Institute's operations align with its mission and meet the highest standards of accountability.
Director
Robert Zardeneta
Robert contributes deep expertise in workforce development and ethical AI to the Institute's governance structure, centering worker dignity and human oversight in the age of autonomous systems.
Director
Janet Brubacher
Janet brings deep expertise in nonprofit finance and institutional governance, overseeing the Institute's financial stewardship and long-term sustainability strategy.
Director
Darrell Hills
Darrell brings extensive experience in community engagement, child protection, organizational development, and mission-driven leadership, ensuring the Institute's research reaches families and serves high-barrier communities.