Queen Elizabeth's annual Christmas Day speech on BBC and ITV was well-received by British viewers and hailed by non-British followers on The Royal Family's social media account but a "deepfake" video of Her Majesty's Christmas message, which aired on Channel 4, is also drawing a strong reaction.
According to CNN, Channel 4 intended for Queen Elizabeth's deepfake parody to send a "stark warning" about the negative side of technology and the rise of fake news in the digital age. However, the video apparently attracted negative criticisms for mocking the Queen.
Daily Mirror reported that the deepfake parody showed Her Majesty in cringe-worthy moments, where she discussed Prince Andrew's friendship with the pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal exit. The deepfake video also showed Queen Elizabeth following dance trends as netizens do on the TikTok app.
In a statement to CNN, Channel 4 Director of Programmes Ian Katz said that they want to highlight the frightening new frontier presented by deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence. While some netizens laughed as they watched the Queen do TikTok dances, others criticized Channel 4 for being mean-spirited, especially towards Her Majesty. Sam Gregory of WITNESS, which helps groups of activists safely use video technology, also cautioned that the dangers of deep fakes could also be exaggerated.
In her actual speech, the Queen never mentioned any of the scandals that rocked the royal family this year. Instead, she delivered a dignified message of gratitude and hope from her home in Windsor Castle, where she has been isolating for the holidays with Prince Philip.
The Queen highlighted the work of the nurses and other frontliners. She also talked about the kindness of strangersthat made this pandemic crisis bearable, while reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible.
The monarch even made a few viewers cry when she said that most people only want a hug for Christmas, but it's not possible for many because of the threats of the virus. But Queen Elizabeth also said that life has to go on despite the pandemic.
Her Majesty assured those who feel so isolated because of the lockdowns and restrictions, are not alone.
Queen Elizabeth has been doing her Christmas speech since 1952. In 2020, her message may also be accessed via the Alexa app for the very first time.
