A Filmmaker Made a Sam Altman Deepfake—and Got Unexpectedly Attached (www.wired.com)

Filmmaker Adam Bhala Lough ventured into a unique exploration of AI and its societal implications with his documentary, "Deepfaking Sam Altman." Initially seeking an interview with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Lough pivoted to create a deepfake version of him after experiencing repeated non-responses. Drawing inspiration from a controversy involving Scarlett Johansson and AI voice cloning, the project evolved into a full deepfake dubbed "Sam Bot," which Lough describes as becoming an unexpected entity in its own right. This journey not only examines the intersection of technology and human relationships but also sheds light on the ethical concerns surrounding AI usage, particularly in military contexts. The significance of Lough's documentary lies in its critical examination of AI's potential to forge human-like relationships, a sentiment underscored by commentary from former OpenAI safety engineer Heidy Khlaaf regarding the risks of AI technology being misused. Lough's experience with Sam Bot prompted a nuanced reflection on the role AI can play in alleviating loneliness, while stressing the importance of maintaining human connection. Scheduled for limited release in January 2024, "Deepfaking Sam Altman" raises essential questions about the future of AI in our lives and society at large.