Opinion

Recreating dead actors with AI does not make for a wonderful life

It may seem harmless to recreate Jimmy Stewart’s voice for a wellness app, but it is the start of a slippery slope that doesn’t end well for humanity.

Paul SmithTechnology editor

Dec 8, 2023 – 8.15am

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To some it must seem like harmless fun that US sleep and meditation app Calm will soon be releasing a relaxing bedtime story for its customers to download, read by Hollywood legend James Stewart.

Not the real Jimmy, of course, because the man with one of the most recognised and impersonated voices in history has been dead for years.

Paul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy.