Netflix is under fire for its use of AI imagery in the new documentary “What Jennifer Did,” directed by Jenny Popplewell. The film delves into the 2010 case of Jennifer Pan, a young woman from Markham, Ontario, accused of orchestrating the murder of her parents. Futurism reports that the documentary includes two images of Pan, which appear to be AI-generated or manipulated.
The images exhibit several noticeable flaws, including distorted facial features, misshapen hands, and irregular background elements. This use of AI imagery raises questions about why the filmmakers and Netflix chose to employ such technology, especially when depicting a real person rather than a fictional character.
Additionally, given Pan’s ongoing legal proceedings, the matter calls for a heightened level of sensitivity. With the kick on of AI and how things are shaping up across the globe with deep fakes, this is a critical situation and is being handled with utmost care.
Despite the controversy, Netflix has yet to issue a public response to the allegations. The use of AI imagery in the documentary has compounded existing criticisms of its conventional and minimalist approach. This development highlights the need for transparency and ethical considerations in the use of technology, particularly when dealing with sensitive subject matter.
