HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Families of individuals affected by gun violence are leveraging artificial intelligence to replicate the voices of their deceased loved ones, aiming to advocate for stricter gun laws and emphasize the critical need for legislative action.
Among those participating in this initiative are Kristen and Mike Song, the parents of Ethan Song, who tragically lost his life due to an unsecured gun incident in 2018. Through the use of AI technology, Ethan’s voice has been recreated to deliver a compelling plea to lawmakers, urging them to take concrete steps to safeguard children from gun violence.
The Songs, in solidarity with other bereaved parents, acknowledge the potential of AI in effectively conveying their message. Despite the emotional difficulty of hearing Ethan’s voice once more, they are resolute in their mission to drive change and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Kristen shared, “Neither my husband nor I had heard Ethan‘s voice since he passed away, so neither of us initially desired to revisit videos and listen to his voice. However, we recognized the significance of this step. I have been advocating in D.C. for 5 1⁄2 years for Ethan’s law, but it seems my appeals have been disregarded.”
Their persistent advocacy, including efforts to promote Ethan’s Law in Washington, has encountered obstacles, prompting them to explore innovative methods to amplify their voices. By utilizing AI-generated voices, they seek to elicit empathy and urgency among policymakers and the general public.
Nevertheless, not all individuals endorse this approach. Holly Sullivan, President of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, voiced reservations about using AI to articulate messages on behalf of victims, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual autonomy and perspectives.
Kristen Song, however, remains unwavering in her conviction that Ethan’s replicated voice authentically captures his compassion and dedication to assisting others. She remarked, “It closely mirrors Ethan’s manner of speech. He was known for his empathy, often ensuring that students without companions in the cafeteria found someone to sit with.”
Kristen Song disclosed that approximately 30,000 calls have been made to lawmakers and political figures thus far, with more outreach efforts anticipated in the future.
