Earlier today, the FBI released two blurry images on social media platform X, depicting a person of interest in the shooting of activist Charlie Kirk. Following this, numerous users utilized AI technology to create enhanced versions of the photographs, transforming the pixelated images into clearer, high-resolution depictions. However, it is important to note that these AI tools do not reveal hidden details but instead infer what might be present in the original pictures, a process that has historically resulted in inaccuracies.
Various AI-generated interpretations were shared in response to the initial post, with some produced using X’s Grok bot and others utilizing platforms like ChatGPT. While these variations differ in their accuracy, some clearly misrepresent details, leading to distortions in appearance, such as altered clothing and exaggerated facial features. Although the goal of these enhancements is to assist in identifying the person of interest, they also serve to attract attention online.
Despite the prevalence of these AI-generated images, their utility in aiding the investigation remains questionable. Previous instances of AI image manipulation have resulted in significant inaccuracies, such as misrepresenting public figures. For instance, AI attempts to “depixelate” a photo of former President Barack Obama inaccurately transformed his appearance, while other efforts have added features that were not present. While AI can offer insights in certain contexts, it should not be relied upon as definitive evidence in ongoing investigations.
The FBI’s original post remains the primary source for identifying the person in question, although further efforts to clarify or enhance the images may not yield reliable results.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/776793/charlie-kirk-fbi-person-of-interest-photos-shooter