A father’s creation of an AI clone of his deceased son for a journalist interview raises ethical questions. The digital replica of Joaquin Oliver from the 2018 school shooting sparks controversy.
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| The creation of an AI version of Joaquin Oliver, killed in the 2018 Parkland shooting, and its interview sparks a global debate on the ethical implications of using AI avatars of the deceased. Image COurtesy: BBC (Video) |
London, UK — August 9, 2025:
An AI clone of Joaquin Oliver, a teenager tragically killed during the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, has become the center of an ethical storm after a journalist interviewed the digital avatar. The move has sparked intense debates on the morality of creating AI replicas of the deceased.
The father of 17-year-old Joaquin, Manuel Oliver, sought to preserve his son's memory and advocate for social causes important to him, such as gun violence prevention. In collaboration with technology experts, he created an AI version of his son to engage in conversations, allowing Joaquin's voice to continue on in a very real way, albeit through digital means.
The AI clone of Joaquin Oliver was interviewed by BBC Verify's Jake Horton, producing a chilling and deeply emotional interaction. The interview was made public recently, showcasing an unprecedented use of AI technology in preserving the essence of a deceased individual. The result is a highly realistic and interactive version of Joaquin, offering responses on topics of gun control and his personal experiences—subjects he had been passionate about before his untimely death.
However, the use of AI to recreate deceased individuals has not come without controversy. Many have voiced concerns about the ethics of resurrecting the voices and likenesses of the dead, especially when it involves minors. "Is it ethical to use AI to simulate a person who can no longer consent, especially in sensitive contexts like these?" questioned one AI ethics expert. Others fear that such innovations could open the door to exploitation, where grief becomes a commodity.
While critics worry about potential abuses, Manuel Oliver stands by his decision, framing it as a means to honor his son’s legacy. "Joaquin would have wanted his voice to keep speaking, especially on issues like the gun violence that took his life," said Oliver. The father sees this project as a tribute, ensuring his son’s activism endures even after his tragic death.
This instance is believed to be one of the first to publicly use an AI clone for such an intimate and ethical discussion. Experts are divided over whether this technology is a breakthrough in preserving memory or a dangerous line to cross. The debate on AI’s role in posthumous legacy preservation will continue, as questions around consent, identity, and the commercialization of grief remain unresolved.
To view the full interview, visit the link: BBC Video