Context:

Agatha Christie has been digitally resurrected as an avatar to teach an online writing course, using AI technology to replicate her likeness and voice, although she passed away in 1976. This initiative, conducted by BBC Maestro, was approved by her estate, with the script crafted from her writings and interviews to ensure the authenticity of her advice. The project has sparked debate about the ethics of using AI to recreate deceased individuals, with concerns about consent and authenticity, although supporters argue it educates and entertains without harming her legacy. Critics, including academics, point out that despite family consent, Christie herself cannot approve, and the AI-generated representation could blur the lines between reality and fiction. Despite these concerns, the creators believe Christie would appreciate the innovative use of technology to share her craft with new audiences, although they acknowledge the uncertainty of knowing her true stance on the matter.

Dive Deeper:

• The avatar of Agatha Christie, created with the permission of her estate, is part of an online writing course by BBC Maestro, utilizing AI to craft her likeness and voice from archival materials and an actor's performance.

• The course's script was developed from Christie's own words and interviews, ensuring the authenticity of her advice while sparking ethical debates over AI's role in resurrecting deceased figures.

• Despite family approval, critics argue that Christie herself cannot consent, raising questions about the ethical implications and authenticity of such digital representations.

• Supporters, like Felix M. Simon, highlight the educational and entertaining value of the project, suggesting it respects Christie's legacy and draws closely from her actual writings and thoughts.

• The project coincides with ongoing discussions in Britain about changes in copyright law that might allow AI models to use artists' works without consent, although this particular instance avoided such issues with the family's involvement.

• Carissa Véliz, an ethics professor, criticizes the project as a deepfake, noting that the recreated words were never actually spoken by Christie, potentially blurring lines between fact and fiction.

• The creators and estate representatives believe that Christie, known for her adventurous spirit, would have appreciated the innovative use of technology to teach and engage with new audiences, although they admit the impossibility of knowing her true opinion.