“CHiPs” Star Eric Estrada Shares a Warning About How artificial intelligence “Can destroy lives.”
During an interview with Fox News Digital, the 75-year-old actor and “Divine Renovation” host acknowledged the benefits of AI but cautioned that the new technology is also often being used for nefarious purposes.
“I think just like the Internet, like cell phones, like everything else — they need to use the positive side of it,” Estrada said. “The side that can help or provide employment and create goodwill, good things, good jobs, good fortune for those who want to go in that direction and of course, not use negative things “
“CHiPs” star Eric Estrada warned about the dangers posed by AI. (Brian To/FilmMagic)
Estrada explained how AI can be used to create deepfakes – deceptive images, videos and audio that misrepresent people or events. While some deepfakes may be harmless, the technology can be used to perpetrate scams and identity theft, spread propaganda, damage careers and reputations, and manipulate elections.
‘CHiPs’ actor Eric Estrada on how faith affects his life and career: ‘It’s a good thing’
Celebrities are increasingly on target deepfake technology, Their likenesses are being used to endorse or promote products they are not affiliated with. Additionally, celebrities have found themselves victims of AI-generated pornography in which their faces are superimposed over explicit photos or videos.
“Let’s say, for example, they want me to do this — they can have me promote horses, or cows, or beef cattle,” Estrada said. “That they’re good for you. Nutritious. Must eat one day. You know, they can do that. And it’s wrong and it’s not right, and it’s very, very not Christian.”
“It’s not a good thing at all,” he added. “They hurt people. They can hurt people. They can destroy lives. They can compare me to a donkey and say, ‘Haha, Estrada is weird.’ You know what I mean? They can do anything with AI, but they should use it for positive ends, but they won’t.”
Estrada, left, who starred in the hit ’70s show, said he has been the target of deepfakes. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Estrada told Fox News Digital that he believes some people will use AI for good purposes, including tech moguls Elon Musk.
“I’m sure he will,” the actor said. “But some people will use it to their advantage.”
“It’s not very, very Christian.”
In addition to his acting and hosting career, Estrada is a former police officer who later became a deputy sheriff in Virginia. He is also a member of the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) federal task force, where he works undercover to arrest child sexual predators.
Estrada works as an undercover law enforcement agent to arrest child sexual predators. (Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
Estrada told Fox News Digital that he is also dealing with deepfake scammers after being personally targeted on social media.
“I’m going after some pretty heavy handed people right now,” he said. “We’re going after some people who are scamming people by using my name and likeness on Facebook, and I’m not even on Facebook.” “
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“They’re going to go down, but it’s going to take time and effort because they’re doing things wrong,” Estrada said. “They’re tricking people into thinking they’re Eric Estrada and chatting with them and then, boom, it’s like the Internet is grooming kids to get them. AI can be positive and good, But people will – bad people will always take advantage of it.”
Along with fighting crime, a law enforcement officer, Estrada also strives to help others through his career in entertainment.
WATCH: ‘CHiPs’ star Eric Estrada explains how some people using AI aren’t ‘very Christian’
In 2023, Estrada began hosting faith-based home improvement Reality series “Divine Renewal.” According to Divine Renovation’s producers at Heartlight Entertainment, the documentary “builds upon the immense success of the home improvement show and adds a spiritual element.”
The show follows Estrada as he works with nonprofits, houses of worship, local businesses, and neighbors to make home improvements for families in need.
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Estrada recalled that ‘Divine Renovation’ executive producer Monty Hobbs approached him about the series after the actor starred in several faith-based films, including 2013’s ‘Finding Faith’, 2014’s ‘Virtuous’ Had contacted him about hosting. and 2015’s “Abnormal.”
The actor is hosting the second season of the faith-based home improvement show “Divine Renovation.” (have good fun)
“He says, ‘I want to do a concept where we don’t beat the Bible over people’s heads, but it’s a show about doing good, a feel-good kind of show, dealing with the community. , helps people ”in all walks of life,” Estrada recalled of his conversation with Hobbs.
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The first season of “Divine Renovation” was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina and premiered on Prime Video, Google Play and iTunes in July 2023.
WATCH: ‘CHiPs’ star Eric Estrada on the second season of his faith-based home improvement show ‘Divine Renovation’
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The second season of “Divine Renovation”, which Estrada described as “really heartwarming”, was shot in Torrington, Connecticut.
“It’s a great, great season,” he told Fox News Digital. “We’ve got a section with these dogs service dog For people with PTSD. Incredible, incredible stretch.”
“The Bold and the Beautiful” alum Another segment of the show was said to be filmed at the FISH (Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut) shelter.
“We give them a new floor and some other adjustments, renovating their big house,” he said. “And then we put a flagpole there because they just got a grant to be able to bring in veterans and house them and feed them.
“So, we gave a baton to the veterans so they could do their flag ceremony. And the mayor came out, and the whole thing is amazing. And then we do a thing with the police officer and his family because they have a son with a major disability. .
“We did a fix where we put a track from her bedroom to the bathroom so she could take it to the bathroom. Made the bathroom bigger. Gave them a removable aluminum ramp outside so it was convenient, they didn’t have to go down,” he said. Said.
“So, it’s lots and lots and lots. And it’s great.”
The second season of “Divine Renovation” is now available to stream on Amazon Prime, Roku, Tubi, and other streaming platforms. (have good fun)
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Estrada reflected on how he’s on his own Christian faith To overcome difficulties in your life.
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The actor revealed that he finds solace and guidance by connecting with God through prayer.
“I apologize for my mistakes and the choices I made and ask, ‘Hey, please forgive me. I will try not to do that again, and I will try to make it right. But help me .I could use my help right now. It’s taking a toll on me emotionally and mentally,” Estrada said.
“And I discovered that talking to yourself, talking to your inner guide, talking to your inner self, is God anyway,” he said.
“So, that helps.”
The second season of “Divine Renovation” is now available to stream on Amazon Prime, Roku, Tubi, and other streaming platforms.
