[vanilla-almond]

...so my b.s detector is in the red on this one

Why? A 2020 documentary called Welcome to Chechnya looked at repression of LGBT Chechens and was the first documentary to use "advanced facial replacement techniques using artificial intelligence and novel visual effects technology so the viewer could see real faces displaying real emotions while still protecting the identities of the speakers" [1]

The documentary was released by HBO Films. The BBC also broadcast the documentary.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_Chechnya

[an1sotropy]

Thank you for pointing out this precedent in this use of face-swapping - it's a great idea, and (together with the OP link about Hong Kong protestors) changes my understanding of the threat/value of face-swapping technology.