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Episode details

World Service,7 mins

How can deepfakes help keep the memory of people alive?

The Real Story

Available for over a year

This is a clip from a programme discussing the wider implications of deepfake technology. Deepfakes are like photoshop for video – using a form of artificial intelligence called deep learning to create a realistic depiction of fake events. Are we entering an era where AI will let anyone make fake videos of anyone else? We hear from Alex Henry, who created an avatar of his terminally ill wife Molly so she could live on after death. Ritula Shah and a panel of experts discuss how the technology might bring joy to people who can now hear from their deceased relatives. What are the ethics of these developments and how do we regulate the technology as it continues to get better? The panel: Deborah Johnson - professor of applied ethics at the University of Virginia Francesca Panetta - immersive artist and journalist Alan Zucconi - developer, lecturer and science communicator

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