The Ethics of Deepfaking the Deceased: A Discussion on Libel and Legacy
Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late comedian Robin Williams, has voiced her dismay over the use of AI-generated videos that simulate her father’s likeness. On her Instagram story, she implored fans to cease sending her these deepfake videos, expressing that she finds them disheartening and a violation of both her and her father’s memory. “If you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop. It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want,” she stated.
Williams’ post came shortly after the release of OpenAI’s new Sora 2 video model and its social app, which allow users to create surprisingly realistic deepfakes. These include the ability to generate images and videos of both living and deceased individuals. While the app restricts the creation of videos featuring living people without their consent, it presents no such barriers for those who have passed away. This has led to an influx of deepfake content using historical figures and celebrities, including her father, Robin Williams, who died in 2014.
Deepfake technology raises complex ethical questions, especially concerning consent posthumously. With legal definitions stating that libel does not extend to the deceased, it becomes a gray area regarding the production of such content. While the app offers safeguards for living individuals, those who are deceased are left without any way to contest or control how their likenesses are used.
This issue reflects broader concerns about the boundaries of AI and technology, particularly as they continue to evolve rapidly. Zelda’s comments resonate deeply as creators and technology firms navigate the balance between innovation and respect for individual legacies. She concluded by emphasizing the troubling nature of transforming the legacies of real people into mere fodder for entertainment, questioning the morals of content creators in this new landscape.
For further context regarding deepfakes and their implications, you might find the following links useful:
- OpenAI’s Sora
- Legal Perspective on Libel and Deceased Individuals
- Responses from OpenAI’s CEO to Criticism
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