Photoshopped or AI‑generated tributes to a deceased child might sound harmless, but the latest trend has sparked outrage. Social media users are blasting people for creating angelic portraits of 13‑year‑old Zara Qairina, saying it’s exploitative and disrespectful.
The “angelic” trend that crossed a line
In recent days, a series of images has flooded TikTok, Facebook and Instagram showing 13‑year‑old Zara Qairina—who tragically died in a traffic accident earlier this month—depicted with angel wings, glowing halos and heavenly clouds. Many of these pictures are clearly AI‑generated, using diffusion models to blend her real face with ethereal backgrounds. The creators, often anonymous, caption the images with messages like “Rest in heaven princess” and “Our angel watching over us.” On some platforms, these posts have garnered tens of thousands of likes and shares.
But not everyone sees this as a tribute. A wave of backlash erupted when Malaysian news site The Sun covered the trend, reporting that netizens labelled the content as “sickening” and “cringe.” Commenters argued that turning a teenager’s death into viral content for sympathy or clout is exploitative. Some pointed out that adding angel wings and halos without the family’s permission commercializes grief. Others worried that AI has made it too easy to manipulate images of deceased people without consent.
Why this matters beyond one tragic case
The uproar over Zara’s images taps into a growing ethical debate: Should AI be used to create images of the deceased without explicit permission? In one high‑profile case last year, an AI “recreation” of Kobe Bryant sparked legal threats from his estate. Artists argue that AI offers a way to memorialize loved ones, but families and privacy advocates caution that it can be invasive. In Malaysia, there’s no clear legal framework governing AI art, leaving families little recourse if they feel disrespected. Earlier this week, AllAboutArtificial.com reported that AI can now eavesdrop on your phone calls via radar — a chilling reminder that generative models are creeping into ever more intimate corners of life. Their article AI can now eavesdrop on your calls via radar explains how this invasive technology works and why privacy experts are sounding the alarm. Together, these stories show how blurred the boundaries between tribute and intrusion have become.
AllAboutArtificial.com’s coverage of the Grok chatbot leak, which exposed intimate conversations, underscores the broader privacy implications. When our digital traces—images, voices, chat logs—can be fed into AI models, the boundary between tribute and exploitation blurs. The Zara situation shows how quickly AI content can spin out of control, and how social norms struggle to keep up.
Community reactions and calls for responsibility
On X, the hashtag #RespectZara trended as users urged creators to delete the angelic images and let the family grieve in peace. “Stop milking likes off her death,” wrote one user. Others expressed discomfort with the uncanny valley effect of AI portraits—while the images appear polished, subtle distortions in facial features and lighting betray their synthetic origins. Some users defended the images as heartfelt tributes, arguing that turning someone into an angel is an age‑old motif. But the majority view in comments on The Sun’s article is that consent matters and that AI makes it too easy to cross that line.
The controversy also highlights the psychological impact on grieving families. “Seeing your loved one’s face manipulated and shared without permission can be traumatic,” says grief counsellor Dr. Maya Abdul. She recommends that social platforms enforce stricter policies around AI‑generated memorials. Facebook already requires permission from a legacy contact to memorialize an account; TikTok and Instagram could adopt similar rules. Some community moderators are now banning posts that depict the deceased without verification from family members.
Ethical guidelines and what’s next
Experts are calling for clearer guidelines on AI memorialization. Proposed rules include: obtaining consent from family members before generating or sharing AI images of the deceased; clearly labeling AI‑generated memorial content; and prohibiting monetization of such content. Lawyers warn that without regulation, families may resort to defamation or privacy lawsuits.
As for Zara, it remains to be seen whether the creators of the angel images will face consequences. Some have already removed their posts after public backlash. The discussion, however, is likely to intensify as generative models become more accessible. This case could spur Malaysian lawmakers to explore digital legacy legislation similar to the US’s Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, which grants estate executors control over digital property.
FAQs
Who was Zara Qairina?
Zara Qairina was a 13‑year‑old Malaysian girl who died in a traffic accident in August. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief on social media.
Why are AI‑generated images of Zara controversial?
Because they depict her without her family’s consent and turn her tragedy into viral content. Many feel this is exploitative and disrespectful.
Are there laws against AI‑generated images of the deceased?
In many countries, including Malaysia, there are few laws governing AI memorial images. Families may pursue civil claims if they feel defamed or invaded, but clear regulations are lacking.
How can I pay tribute respectfully?
If you want to honor someone online, first seek permission from their family. Share memories or donate to a cause they cared about rather than generating synthetic images.
Can AI art ever be ethical in mourning?
Yes, if it’s created with consent and sensitivity. AI can help create memorial videos or portraits, but the process should involve the family and respect the wishes of the deceased.
