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Netflix's 'What Jennifer Did' in hot water for allegedly using AI-manipulated photos, Internet says 'this is illegal'

Viewers question if Netflix documentary used fake photos of Jennifer Pan in 'What Jennifer Did'

ONTARIO, CANADA: Netflix's 'What Jennifer Did,' the latest true crime documentary focusing on convicted murderer Jennifer Pan, has swiftly climbed the ranks to Netflix’s Top 10 films since its debut last Wednesday, April 10. However, a recent report from Futurism suggests that the documentary may have utilized artificially manipulated images of Pan.

Pan was convicted in 2010 for orchestrating a kill-for-hire plot against her parents, resulting in her mother's death and severe injuries to her father, including a medically induced coma.

Around the 28-minute mark of the documentary, viewers are introduced to Pan's high school friend, Nam Nguyen, who reminisces about their relationship. He describes Pan as "bubbly, happy, confident, and very genuine," while three successive pictures of Pan are displayed.

Now, the authenticity of the latter two images has sparked controversy, with viewers allegedly noting distortions in the background of one photo where Pan is seen holding up peace signs. Additionally, scrutiny has been directed towards apparent alterations in Pan's fingers and hands.

Viewers question about image authenticity in Netflix's 'What Jennifer Did'

As 'What Jennifer Did' has sparked controversy, viewers have raised concerns about the authenticity of images used to depict Pan during her teenage years. As per the report, the documentary allegedly used photos that some believe were manipulated or even entirely created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This use of AI-generated imagery raises questions from viewers about the documentary's portrayal of Pan and the ethics of manipulating historical records for visual storytelling.

As per the source report, in one, Pan's left hand appears to have only two fingers, with a distorted thumb and ring finger. These distortions are consistent with AI-generated alterations, suggesting possible manipulation of a single source photo to create multiple images.

Talking about the implications of AI manipulation undermines the documentary's credibility, viewers took to X to drop their two cents about the same as one asked, "Netflix using AI for this documentary called What Jennifer Did is so reckless. Wtf is wrong with these streaming services? There are so many talented journalists, graphic designers, producers, etc. Why not use A HUMAN to get this right?"

One viewer pointed out, "Netflix incorporated AI-generated images in its latest true crime documentary, 'WHAT JENNIFER DID,' portraying Jennifer Pan as happy and confident before her murder conviction, without disclosing the use of AI tools in the credits."

Another viewer said, "The feeling that I watched 'What Jennifer Did', this is unethical and illegal. Definitely there must be action taken. If you want to do a true documentary series, please make it true, DO NOT USE AI. Understand, Netflix, huh? Do you understand?"

One viewer wrote, "At this point, I don't know if people care about what happens when you use AI images, but here's one way you're aiding AI technology, not to mention the images of children that sickos are producing. But you know go awf with them dead eyed ppl, I guess!"

"You can argue all day long about copyright and ethics with AI, and we'll see how that turns out, but this crosses a serious line both ethically and legally," claimed one, while another said, "You’re Trash Netflix."

On the other hand, one viewer wrote, "I'm starting to believe that all those sci-fi films about malicious AI are about to become a reality. Reality started to bend when Deepfakes entered the scene a few years back, but it's looking very scary given what @OpenAI is cooking up with Sora." Following this another viewer penned, "There should be 0 AI used in all productions. The point of watching shows and movies is seeing the people put in the work, not some AI tool making stuff up"

One viewer also said, "Yeah I think it’s time we ban AI. These companies obviously have no moral compass to stop them from doing s**t like this. Fiction work is one thing. Non-fiction is another. Wrap this s**t up!"

An Internet user commented, "They next couple of years are going to be very difficult. Everything is going to be questioned if it real or not. This can have both very positive and negative effects."

'What Jennifer Did' trailer

'What Jennifer Did' is available for streaming on Netflix