The BBC documentary series AI Confidential with Hannah Fry has viewers hooked, with the three-part show exploring artificial intelligence cases including a teenager whose AI chatbot urged him to attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II, as well as autonomous vehicle disasters that resulted in pedestrian deaths.
Originally released earlier this year, the series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. It examines the growth of artificial intelligence, concentrating on the human narratives and real-world implications as AI integrates into everyday life.
Hannah Fry in tears over 'digital afterlife'
In a clip shared on social media, the Celebrity Traitors star was seen in tears in what has been described as a "compelling series" that proves "deeply unsettling" at times, reports Wales Online.
An official synopsis states: "Hannah Fry takes a deep dive into some of the most extraordinary human stories emerging from the world of AI, from falling in love with a chatbot to life and death decisions made by robots."
Posting a teaser on social media this week, after Hannah's elimination from Celebrity Traitors, the BBC released footage showing Hannah becoming visibly emotional at what she witnessed. In the footage she can be heard saying: "I would've burst into tears if I'd heard that."
Personal grief journey revealed
Hannah was subsequently seen dabbing away tears following a conversation about the 'digital afterlife' which offers individuals the possibility to listen to the voices of deceased loved ones.
Hannah additionally revealed details of her personal bereavement journey after her father's death while speaking with another bereaved son who utilises AI to listen to his mother's voice.
BBC iPlayer posted the footage on Instagram with the caption: "Would you recreate the voice of a loved one who has died using AI - just to call them again? Hannah Fry explores this question more deeply on #AIConfidentialwithHannahFry. #Grief #BBCAIUnpacked".
Viewers praise 'thought-provoking' series
Sharing their thoughts on IMDb, one viewer wrote of the documentary series: "The series is measured, thought-provoking, and at times deeply unsettling. Fry's calm delivery and warm presence allow the viewer to engage with difficult subjects - crime, grief, algorithmic decision-making - without sensationalism."
They went on to say: "A meticulously crafted, thoughtful, and compelling series. Perhaps the best documentary the BBC has produced recently."
A further reviewer noted: "All three episodes are extremely engaging and interesting. I wish they had more exposure as the topics are very relevant and eye-opening. Hannah Fry does an amazing job on keeping a subjective view on pros and cons of the use of AI in our daily lives, yet you can see how connected she feels to the people she's interviewing."
On Facebook, one person said: "This was a brilliant and quite disturbing series in many ways." Another penned: "They were really interesting programs."
AI Confidential with Hannah Fry can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
