Chinese Workers Must Build AI Copies of Themselves Before Quitting

As Chinese companies expand their use of internal artificial intelligence, some employees are now required to create digital versions of themselves before leaving their jobs. One former Baidu employee described the process: he had to build an AI replica of his own knowledge and decision-making patterns as part of his exit procedure. This digital twin is designed to continue performing certain tasks after the worker has left, ensuring the company retains key expertise. The practice reflects a broader push by Chinese firms to integrate AI into their operations, even at the cost of asking departing staff to train their replacements—machines. While companies see this as a way to preserve institutional knowledge, critics argue it raises questions about labor rights and the value of human experience.