Deepfake Technology Raises Concerns After Daughter of Robin Williams Speaks Out
In a poignant message to her father's fans, Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, has urged people to stop sending her AI-generated videos of her father. The request comes as OpenAI's Sora 2 video model and Sora social app have been released, allowing users to generate highly realistic deepfakes of themselves, their friends, and even deceased individuals.
According to Zelda Williams' Instagram post on Monday, she implored fans to "just stop doing this" and not assume that she wants to see or understand the AI-generated videos. She emphasized that it's a waste of time and energy and likely wouldn't be what her father would have wanted. The timing of her message is notable, as OpenAI's Sora 2 was released just days prior.
The Student Press Law Center notes that it is not illegal to libel the deceased, which means that deepfakes of dead individuals are currently unregulated. However, OpenAI's Sora app does have some limitations in place. Users can only generate videos of living people if they are of themselves or a friend who has given permission for their likeness to be used.
"We're not trying to create fake news or manipulate people," said Sam Altman, co-founder and president of OpenAI, in an interview with TechCrunch. "Our goal is to provide a tool that can be used creatively and responsibly."
The Sora app is still only available via invitation, but it has sparked concerns about the potential misuse of deepfake technology. Experts warn that the lack of regulation around deepfakes of deceased individuals could lead to exploitation and disrespect for those who have passed away.
"This raises important questions about consent, respect, and the ethics of using AI-generated content," said Dr. Kate Darling, a researcher at MIT's Media Lab who studies human-AI interaction. "We need to consider the potential consequences of creating and sharing deepfakes of deceased individuals."
As the technology continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how regulators will address the issue of deepfakes of dead people. In the meantime, Zelda Williams' message serves as a reminder that respect for the deceased and their loved ones should be at the forefront of any discussion about AI-generated content.
Background:
OpenAI's Sora 2 video model and Sora social app are part of a growing trend in deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create highly realistic videos or audio recordings. The technology has raised concerns about its potential misuse for spreading misinformation or manipulating people.
Additional Perspectives:
The release of OpenAI's Sora 2 has sparked debate among experts and ethicists about the responsible use of deepfake technology. Some argue that it has the potential to revolutionize industries such as entertainment, education, and healthcare, while others warn about its potential for misuse.
Current Status and Next Developments:
OpenAI's Sora app is currently available via invitation only, but it is expected to be released more widely in the coming months. As the technology continues to evolve, regulators and experts will need to address the issue of deepfakes of deceased individuals and ensure that they are used responsibly.
Sources:
Zelda Williams' Instagram post
OpenAI's Sora 2 video model and Sora social app
Student Press Law Center
TechCrunch interview with Sam Altman, co-founder and president of OpenAI
Dr. Kate Darling, researcher at MIT's Media Lab
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
