AI-Generated Deepfakes Target Popular YouTuber with Illegal Gambling Ads
A prominent South Korean YouTuber, known as “Deposit Man,” is taking legal action against companies utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create fraudulent advertisements featuring his likeness and voice. The unauthorized ads promote illegal gambling games, prompting the content creator to issue a public warning on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The rise of sophisticated AI technology is creating new challenges for public figures, as their images and voices can be replicated and exploited without consent. This case highlights the growing threat of deepfake technology and its potential for misuse in deceptive advertising schemes.
Unauthorized Use of Likeness and Voice
According to a statement released via the YouTuber’s official channels, several companies have been generating and disseminating fabricated advertisements using AI to mimic his appearance and vocal patterns. These ads are specifically targeting users with promotions for illicit online gambling platforms.
“Recently, some companies are creating or synthesizing the portrait and voice of calm man through AI to indiscriminate illegal gambling game advertisements,” the YouTuber stated. “The calm man has never made advertisements such as illegal gambling games, and the advertisement is a fake video.”
The content creator emphasized that he has never endorsed any gambling-related products or services and that the circulating advertisements are entirely fraudulent. He is actively working to remove the deceptive content and pursue legal recourse against the responsible parties.
Legal Action and Public Warning
The YouTuber has initiated measures to report the infringing advertisements to relevant authorities and platforms. He is prepared to pursue legal action based on grounds including infringement of public rights, portrait rights, copyright law, and violations of anti-competition law.
He urged his audience to exercise caution and report any instances of the fraudulent advertisements they encounter. “If you find illegal gambling game advertisements using the portrait and IP of the calm man, please do not click on the video and report it immediately,” he advised.
Combating Deepfake Fraud
This incident underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures against the proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes. Experts suggest that consumers should be skeptical of online advertisements, particularly those featuring public figures, and verify the authenticity of the content before engaging with it.
The case also raises questions about the regulatory framework surrounding AI-generated content and the responsibility of platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and fraudulent activities. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to develop effective strategies to protect individuals and consumers from the potential harms of deepfake fraud.
Reporter Kang Da-yoon [email protected] ⓒ My Daily (www.mydaily.co.kr). Unauthorized reprint & redistribution prohibition.
