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Digital ghosts: The controversial rise of AI resurrections in Mexico
While some regard this as a heartfelt tribute, others caution about the grave dangers, which include emotional distress and identity theft.
Critics argue that AI-generated images of the dead could easily be repurposed for deepfakes or scams. Photo Credit: J García López via YouTube
Mexico commemorates the Day of the Dead, a colourful cultural holiday that honours departed loved ones, every November. However, artificial intelligence made an unexpected appearance at the festivities this year.
AI was employed by funeral homes like J. García López and brands like Cerveza Victoria to produce lifelike simulations of departed people, generating both awe and ethical discussion. While some regard this as a heartfelt tribute, others caution about the grave dangers, which include emotional distress and identity theft.
The arguments
Though some experts caution that this could make the grieving process more difficult, AI-generated movies can be consoling by simulating the presence of departed loved ones. Psychologists who spoke to Rest of World also argue that virtual reunions may not provide closure but instead exacerbate grief.
Cultural Repercussions and Ethical Issues
The Day of the Dead’s custom of remembering the dead may be at odds with the usage of AI in the festivities. Digitally “reviving” the deceased, according to some, could make it less acceptable to acknowledge their passing.
Gaps in the Law and Regulation
Because Mexico’s data protection regulations do not expressly address the use of deceased people’s personal information or photos, their data is susceptible to abuse. There are worries regarding possible identity theft and deepfakes because of this lack of control.
Cybersecurity Risks
With increased cybercrime rates, experts emphasise the dangers of retaining and manipulating sensitive biometric information. Weak cybersecurity precautions in AI campaigns could result in data breaches or misuse by unscrupulous parties.
Corporate Responsibility and Transparency
Companies like Cerveza Victoria and J. García López assert minimal responsibility for hazards related with AI-generated content, raising concerns about accountability.
Transparency is limited, as corporations avoid addressing comprehensive questions about their data methods.
The facts
Cerveza Victoria and J. García López used AI to animate photos of deceased persons as part of their Day of the Dead marketing campaigns. Its reported that J. García López received over 15,000 requests for these AI-generated videos.
What’s the Cybercrime Situation in Mexico?
One in five people in Mexico experienced cybercrime in 2023, including identity theft and scams (Norton report). A 2024 KPMG study identifies cybersecurity as a top threat in Mexico and Central America, exacerbated by generative AI.
Data Handling and Technical Issues
According to J. García López, uploaded photographs are automatically erased after creating movies, reducing storage concerns.
Some users reported issues with the AI tool, resulting in incomplete or missing movies.
Ethical Debates Worldwide
In a similar example in South Korea, a mother utilised AI to communicate with her deceased daughter, causing emotional and ethical debates.
Mexican cultural critics say that using AI to honour the dead may detract from traditional customs such as setting up altars.
