'Lucy Letby' Documentary: What Is Digital Anonymity And Why Has Netflix Used AI For The Series?

The Investigation of Lucy Letby was recently released on Netflix, marking at least the fifth documentary on the neonatal nurse. She was convicted in 2023 and 2024 on seven counts of murder and seven of attempted murder of babies in her care at the Countess of Chester hospital. However, now that the docuseries is out, viewers have noticed that some parts of the series seem to use AI, raising questions about digital anonymity. So, without any further ado, let's take a look at what the buzz is about.

What is The Investigation of Lucy Letby about?

Netflix's latest release, The Investigation of Lucy Letby, is somewhat different from what the OTT giant has previously offered. Especially when it comes to leaning into a more emotive telling of the case. The show features unseen footage from Chester police, giving viewers a chance to see Lucy Letby say goodbye to her cats before she was taken away.

The clip shows her mother's wretched cries when her daughter is arrested. In many ways, The Investigation of Lucy Letby explores the possibility that the now-infamous story is more about one of the greatest miscarriages of justice, rather than one of the most prolific female serial killers in history.

Why is Netflix's use of AI in The Investigation of Lucy Letby making headlines?

As with many docuseries, few people want their identities revealed, and the same has happened in The Investigation of Lucy Letby. Nonetheless, the makers have found a unique way to feature anonymous accounts from 'Sarah', mother to one of the babies who was said to be killed by Letby, and her university friend 'Maisie'. Instead of blurring out their faces or blacking out their identities, the makers have opted for a more unusual approach in The Investigation of Lucy Letby. As the opening scenes begin, text appears on screen informing viewers that "some contributors have been digitally disguised to maintain anonymity. Their names, appearances, and voices have been altered."

However, this has in no way compromised the quality of the content. 'Sarah', who gave birth to baby 'Zoe', puts on a convincing show. 'Sarah' sighs at the right moments, emotionally looking to the side as she recounts her child's death. The same can be said for 'Maisie', a digitally anonymised version of 'Lucy's' university friend, who also worked as a nurse. One scene shows the AI character covering her face with her hands as she breaks down after reading the note 'Lucy' wrote to her.

What are the netizens saying about the AI characters being used in The Investigation of Lucy Letby?

The world of Artificial Intelligence has dramatically changed over the past few years. So, it's no surprise that the makers joined the game with The Investigation of Lucy Letby. However, the viewers have some concerns over the decision, especially when it comes to the stylistic choices. A user penned, "Not the AI rendered people in the Lucy Letby documentary." A comment read, "Not sure what to make of the decision in the Lucy Letby Netflix documentary to anonymise contributors by covering their faces with AI faces." A user stated:

"I think it’s a weird decision, but one of a kind we’ll have to wrestle with more and more. [All in] the name of giving the audience something emotional to connect to, I guess."

Why did the makers use AI to digitally disguise people in The Investigation of Lucy Letby?

Disguising interviewees' identities in documentaries is not a new concept. True crime documentaries often depict witnesses or sources as dark silhouettes with electronically altered voices. Now, they can appear as realistic AI avatars. However, whether or not that is a good thing is still up for debate. Some have asserted that humans are highly influenced, both positively and negatively, by one another's facial expressions. In some ways, using AI puts a face to the story. 

The audience agreed that it gave them a more visual experience, as they could see eyebrows raise, foreheads furrow, and eyes grow teary as the storytellers told their story. However, while the digital disguise on screen isn't real, the emotion is. On the other hand, some have argued that it is more distracting than helpful. A user wrote, "It really took me out of it watching these AI people move and speak." Another penned, "I understand their reasoning for doing it, but then I don't understand why the shadowed figure with the altered voice couldn't have been used instead; it still anonymises the person without that weird disconnect AI creates."

What does "digitally anonymise" mean?

The new content has further raised questions about what "digitally anonymise" means. Well, in simple terms, it means to disguise someone or something's identity using digital means. While in the past this may have involved changing their voice, blurring their face, or using an actor, AI has now completely changed how it works. Using AI enables a whole new level of disguise: rendered faces and voices, and complete fictional identities can be created. These characters may look and appear somewhat human, but they're no more than avatars.

However, it is not as new as we think. AI characters have existed on social media for years. Shows like ABBA Voyage have even allowed people to interact with celebrities without even being in the same room. It's even been toyed with in Hollywood, with AI actress, Tilly Norwood hitting headlines. However, it has also raised questions about the extent of its use, which only time can truly answer.

What are your thoughts on the use of AI in The Investigation of Lucy Letby? Let us know.

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