AI Interview With Parkland Victim Sparks Ethics Debate

Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta published an interview with an AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a 2018 Parkland shooting victim, sparking a heated ethics debate. The avatar, created by Oliver’s parents and advocacy group Change the Ref, was trained on Joaquin's writings and social media to deliver messages advocating for gun control, mental health support, and community engagement. Acosta defended the project as moving and suggested AI could help families cope with loss. Joaquin’s father clarified that the intent was not to recreate his son but to promote gun reform. The interview drew strong criticism from across the political spectrum as unethical and exploitative, with many questioning the use of AI to simulate the deceased for advocacy. The incident has fueled broader conversations about the ethical boundaries of using AI in media.