A company in northern China has triggered a fresh debate around workplace ethics and artificial intelligence after creating a digital version of a former employee to continue his role even after he quit.
According to a report in South China Morning Post, the incident involves a game firm based in Shandong province, which developed an AI-powered “digital worker” modelled on an ex-employee from its human resources team. The company reportedly used data and materials from the individual’s time at work to train the system, allowing it to replicate parts of his job.
AI trained with usual work flow of employee
The AI avatar has been assigned routine HR responsibilities. It can respond to employee queries, manage schedules, and prepare basic office documents such as presentations and spreadsheets. In demonstrations shared online, the digital persona introduces itself clearly, stating that it is based on a former employee and will answer questions using knowledge derived from past work records. A staff member reportedly also noted that the tool is still in an internal testing phase, admitting that the avatar is not yet fully refined.
According to the company, the former employee had consented to the use of his data for this purpose. The AI model was reportedly trained on documents, communications, and workflows that the employee had previously handled or created during his tenure.
The staffer also added that the company is exploring broader automation plans, including the possibility of humanoid robot staff in the future. These systems, he said, could eventually take over front-desk roles, assist visitors, and handle basic administrative functions within offices.
However, the development has raised legal and ethical concerns. Fu Jian, a legal expert and director at Henan Zejin Law Firm, told the publication that workplace data such as emails, chat logs, and behavioural patterns fall under personal information protections. In some cases, he warned, such data may even be classified as sensitive.
He emphasised that companies must obtain clear and informed consent before using such data for AI training. Any unauthorised use of an employee’s work materials whether documents, code, or internal plans could violate privacy and data protection laws. In serious cases, such violations could lead to strict penalties, including prison sentences and fines.