How a Genealogy Site Used Deepfake Tech and Old Family Photos to Create a Viral App

MyHeritage's new AI-powered tool brings historical photos to life

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A genealogy site tool that lets people digitally animate old family photographs has become a viral sensation on social media this week—in the latest example of brands putting AI-powered deepfake technology to creative use.

The feature, released by Israel-based company MyHeritage in web platform and app form, is able to recognize faces in any photograph and contort them into realistic-seeming facial expressions and head movements. Users on Twitter and other social channels have been experimenting with the tool to bring to life historical images, celebrity photos and even drawings or paintings.

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