AI Creates Unsettling Deepfakes of Deceased Icons

Hyper-realistic AI videos depicting deceased celebrities and historical figures are rapidly circulating online, largely due to tools like OpenAI's Sora. These synthetic creations, ranging from Queen Elizabeth II praising cheese puffs to other figures engaging in unusual activities, have raised significant ethical concerns and debates over digital likeness control. The technology enables the portrayal of public figures, making them appear to say or do things they never did.

OpenAI has taken steps to address some concerns, notably blocking the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. videos after his estate complained about disrespectful depictions. However, critics argue that despite safeguards, the proliferation of such tools means harmful deepfakes will continue to emerge. The unchecked spread of "AI slop" is feared to have serious consequences, potentially leading to user distrust in genuine news and a broader exodus from social media platforms.

Experts warn that the "uncanny valley" effect of these lifelike synthetic videos can be deeply unsettling and even traumatizing, particularly if deceased family members were to appear in such manipulated content. The vulnerability extends beyond public figures, as the technology could be used to repurpose the likeness and words of any individual. This trend underscores a growing challenge in distinguishing reality from fabrication in the digital age.