Parents Of Gunned-down Teen Bring Him Back In AI Election Video
Umer Jamshaid Published October 28, 2020 | 10:20 AM
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Oct, 2020 ) :When the parents of a teen murdered in America's deadliest high school shooting were approached by an advertising agency to digitally resurrect their son for an election video, they didn't hesitate for a moment.
"You're interviewing parents of a kid that was murdered inside his school," said Manuel Oliver, the father of Joaquin Oliver whose life ended at the age of 17 on February 14, 2018.
"So, in order for us to feel impressed, it's really hard. The bar is very high. We said yes, immediately." Joaquin was one of 17 people killed that day at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida by a former student.
Since then, Manuel and his wife Patricia Oliver have dedicated their lives to the cause of gun control.
First, they supplied the agency with photos of their late son. An actor who resembled Joaquin recorded the message. Then using artificial intelligence (AI), Joaquin's face was mapped onto the actor's, like a digital mask.
The video was posted earlier this month on www.unfinishedvotes.com and YouTube, where it's received about 150,000 views.
"Yo, it's me" opens AI Joaquin, wearing a sweatshirt and beanie as he speaks in front of a basketball court, to a backdrop of eerie music.
Like the real Joaquin, the AI version sprinkles his speech with the word "bro" and gestures a lot with his hands.
"I've been gone for two years, and nothing's changed bro," he says.
"The election in November is the first one I could have voted in, but I'll never get to choose the kind of world I'll get to live in." He rails against politicians who care more about the gun lobby's money than people's lives, and ends with a haunting message: "Vote for me, because I can't." So-called "deepfakes" -- highly-realistic videos generated by AI -- have become notorious for their sinister associations, like putting words into politicians' mouths or celebrities' faces into porn videos.
Sometimes the technology is put to other uses, like bringing back deceased actors for movies.
But Joaquin's video is a unique case. Is it ethical to make a dead child speak, even for a good cause? "This is a perfect example of the good side of these technologies," says his father Manuel.
To his detractors who accuse the family of being unethical -- of whom there are many in the YouTube comments section -- Manuel responds angrily.
"The unethical option of doing something like this, or the unethical way our politicians handle gun violence in our country?"
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pak, NZ T20I series online ticket booking from tomorrow
Pak-Türkiye strategize to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion
Chief Representative of CFFEX in Pakistan and PSX Director meet Finance Minister
SC conditionally allows army courts to announce reserved verdicts
12 suspects criminals arrests in search operation:SSP Larkana
Mayor Karachi chairs meeting of SSWMB
PMDC’s int’l recognition ‘historic milestone’ for Pakistan’s health in ..
Secretary HUD&PHE Asad Ullah Khan visits RDA
NHA mobilizes efforts to clear landslide in Zhob-Dhanasar section of N-50
Interior Minister, CM KP vow to eliminate terrorism
China to surpass 1 billion 5G connections this year: GSMA
Students gather at GCU to express solidarity with Palestinians, Kashmiris
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
1 day ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
1 day ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
3 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
3 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
4 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
4 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
4 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
4 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
4 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
6 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
6 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
6 days ago