Queen Elizabeth Rapping, Princess Diana Serving Street Food and More: Royal Deepfakes Are Going Viral. What Does the Palace Say?

Royal Palace Addresses Viral Deepfake Videos

In recent times, videos created using artificial intelligence (AI), known as deepfakes, have been circulating online, featuring members of the royal family engaging in various unexpected activities. These deepfake videos have gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, showcasing the late Queen Elizabeth rapping, shoplifting, and participating in video games with Princess Diana. The realistic visuals and AI-generated voices imitating the royals have added to the shock value of these videos. Additionally, other deepfakes have depicted contemporary royals such as Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, among others.

While the emergence of these deepfake videos has sparked intrigue and entertainment among viewers, Buckingham Palace has chosen not to comment on the recent surge of AI-generated content featuring royal family members. This silence from the Palace has raised questions about their stance towards the use of AI in creating fabricated videos that depict members of the monarchy in unexpected scenarios.

In a parallel development, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken a stand against the advancement of AI technology. Joining a group of prominent figures worldwide, the royal couple signed a letter urging tech companies like Google, OpenAI, and Meta Platforms to halt the development of “superintelligent” AI. The call for a ban on this technology stems from concerns about the potential impact and risks associated with AI surpassing human intelligence levels.

The letter signed by Prince Harry and Meghan emphasised the importance of ensuring that AI progress serves humanity rather than replacing it entirely. The couple advocates for a cautious and thoughtful approach in steering the trajectory of technological advancements, highlighting the need for public consensus and safety measures in the development of AI.

In light of these events, the royal family’s involvement in addressing the ethical and practical implications of AI technology has come to the forefront. While the younger generation of royals navigates the digital landscape and advocates for responsible technological use, challenges such as online misinformation campaigns and deepfake videos continue to pose threats to their privacy and public image.

As the Palace grapples with the proliferation of deepfake videos, concerns regarding privacy, misinformation, and the manipulation of digital content remain central to discussions surrounding the royal family’s engagement with technology. The intersection of tradition and modernity in the digital age underscores the evolving dynamics of royal life and the complexities of managing public perception amidst technological advancements.

The ongoing debate surrounding AI and its implications for society raises critical questions about the ethical boundaries of technology and the responsibilities of individuals, organisations, and governments in safeguarding against potential risks. In an era marked by rapid technological progress and digital innovation, the royal family’s response to AI-related challenges reflects a broader conversation about the intersection of tradition, modernity, and ethical governance in the digital era.