Protecting Judges with Avatars

A computer-generated image of a young woman

Here is the problem.  In some countries, judges face immediate physical danger every day.  Some projects have tried to use video conferencing to physically separate the judges from the criminal defendants to increase safety.  But, the root problem is the actual identity of the judges. Even where defendants are incarcerated in prisons or jails; if they are members of criminal families, or corrupt police, or military, their compatriots can potentially attack and even kill the judge and their families.

There is now a potential technical solution to this threat by using lifelike avatars in the video conference to protect the identity of the judge.  Now we aren’t suggesting cartoon-like avatars such as you find in video games or mobile phone apps.  We are suggesting the use of lifelike avatars that track a person’s facial features, eye movement, and dilation. Not surprising, because of their ownership of Oculus, Facebook is a tech leader here.  For an example of the work they are doing in this area see: https://youtu.be/86-tHA8F-zU





I would further suggest that another person’s face or even a computer-generated image (see: https://mashable.com/article/website-ai-faces-gan-technology/ ) be used as the generic judge overseeing the trial or hearing.  The judge’s voice could be similarly changed.   The judges would be randomly selected and connected from anywhere in the country to any location where the defendant and attorneys would be present.  The proceedings would be completely recorded and available for appeal and appellate review.

This is just an idea…but one that could be developed soon.