In a bold move for gun reform, an AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, appeared in an interview published by former CNN reporter Jim Acosta. Released on what would have been Joaquin’s 25th birthday, the segment was part of a digital campaign advocating for stricter gun laws and was created in collaboration with Oliver’s parents and the advocacy group Change the Ref.
A show you don’t want to miss at 4p ET / 1p PT. I’ll be having a one of a kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence. Plus Texas State… pic.twitter.com/mbdM2WxwUR
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 4, 2025
The interview, however, immediately sparked a firestorm of criticism. Using AI recreations of the deceased in public media has never been a smooth ride, and this one took a few sharp turns. Some called it “insane” and “unsettling,” questioning the ethics of having an avatar answer questions based on Joaquin's past writings. And let’s not even get started on the emotional impact. After all, you’re talking to a digital version of someone who can’t exactly sign off on their posthumous appearance.
Defending the Use of AI in Advocacy
But hold on, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, appeared in the video and defended its use, clarifying that he wasn’t attempting to “bring his son back” (as much as he would’ve liked that). He admitted that the technology was out there, and if it could be used for their advocacy, why not?
Joaquin Oliver was one of the 17 victims tragically killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The horrific event sparked nationwide debates on gun control and gave rise to the March for Our Lives movement, which has continued to push for stricter laws.
While the video has its detractors, some viewers expressed sympathy for the parents, acknowledging their desire to preserve their son’s memory. “If your child dies for whatever reason, you do all you can to keep their memory alive,” one user commented on X.
I am not on the same side of the gun violence argument, but I can 100% sympathize with the parents for doing this. If your child dies for whatever reason, you do all you can to keep their memory alive. This makes sense when you see it in that light.
— Christian (@Christi42945785) August 4, 2025
But let’s be real: You can’t ignore the nagging ethical questions that swirl around using AI to simulate conversations with someone who’s no longer here. Is it ethical? Is it even respectful? “You’re having a conversation with an advanced word processor,” one critic pointed out. Ouch.
This isn’t the first time Change the Ref has used AI in their campaigns. In 2024, they launched "The Shotline," which featured prewritten messages from gun violence victims, including Joaquin’s. While the campaign still stirred controversy, many felt it was less invasive than having an AI avatar engage in live conversation.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have also weighed in, warning about the ethical implications of recreating the dead with AI. They’ve called for clear consent rules, age limits, transparency, and a respectful way to retire these digital avatars. It’s a tough subject, and it’s clear this conversation is far from over.
Gunel Ismayilova
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