South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into Telegram’s role in the distribution of deepfake pornography. The probe comes after reports of sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of South Korean women being found in Telegram chatrooms. Authorities are concerned about Telegram’s potential role in abetting these crimes.
Scarlett Johansson, known for her role as Black Widow in Marvel movies, has publicly criticized OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, suggesting he would make a good villain due to a deepfake controversy. Johansson claims Altman used her voice in OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.0 without her consent, despite her declining their offer to voice the system. The actress expressed concerns about the rapid pace of technology and its impact on society, particularly deepfake technology, which she believes can be misused for harmful purposes.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is testifying in court today against two men accused of creating and distributing deepfake pornographic videos using her likeness. The case highlights the growing concern over deepfake technology’s potential for abuse and the need for stronger regulations.
A doctor in Mumbai has reported losing over ₹7 lakhs in a share market scam that allegedly used a deepfake video of Mukesh Ambani on Instagram to lure victims. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act.
The Biden administration is refusing to release audio of President Biden’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, arguing that it could be manipulated through deepfake technology.
The Justice Department (DOJ) outlined its concerns in a Friday court filing, acknowledging that there is already enough public audio available to create AI deepfakes of both Biden and Hur. However, it argued that releasing the true recording would make it harder to disprove false versions.
The DOJ also cited concerns about the passage of time and advancements in audio and artificial intelligence technologies that could amplify the potential for malicious manipulation of audio files.
Biden’s administration is facing pressure from conservative legal groups and House Republicans to release the audio. The DOJ has previously released a transcript of the interview, which revealed several embarrassing moments for the president.
As generative AI technology advances, the music industry faces a new challenge: the creation and proliferation of deepfake music that mimics the voices and styles of artists without their consent. This has raised concerns about copyright infringement, identity theft, and the potential devaluation of artists’ unique contributions.
Industry leaders are advocating for legislation to protect artists from unauthorized deepfake creations. The Tennessee ELVIS Act, the first of its kind in the US, criminalizes the use of AI to clone voices and likenesses of performers. Federal legislation is also being considered.
However, the use of AI in music also has potential benefits, such as assisting artists with songwriting and production. Industry stakeholders are exploring ways to regulate AI usage while promoting innovation and protecting artists’ interests.
A manipulated audio clip falsely attributed to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over their longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The fake audio, accompanied by images of Chinese vessels, was released on a popular YouTube channel and attempted to portray Marcos Jr. as directing the Philippine military to confront a particular foreign country. However, the Presidential Communications Office quickly confirmed the audio to be entirely fabricated and a product of deepfake technology. The office emphasized that no such directive has been issued and condemned the spread of misinformation and disinformation online. Experts believe the fake audio is unlikely to have been created by Beijing as it does not align with its interests in the region. The Philippines and the US recently commenced their annual Balikatan joint military exercises, further fueling concerns about escalating tensions. The viral deepfake has raised concerns about cybersecurity preparedness in the Philippines, prompting calls for increased education on online fraud detection. The government plans to combat the proliferation of deepfakes and other potentially malicious AI-generated content through its Media and Information Literacy Campaign.
Maharashtra Police’s cyber cell has registered an FIR against an individual for uploading an AI-generated video featuring actor Ranveer Singh endorsing a political party. The video, which was manipulated from Ranveer’s recent interview in Varanasi, sparked concerns about the proliferation of deepfake videos. Ranveer’s father, Jagjit Singh Bhavnani, filed a complaint alleging that the video was false and that Ranveer has no affiliation with any political party. The FIR underscores the severity of the offense and highlights the potential impact of deepfake technology on public opinion.
Mumbai DCP Datta Nalawade has confirmed that an investigation into deepfake videos featuring Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh is ongoing. He has urged people not to forward such videos, which are created using computer algorithms and multiple images of the same person. Five complaints have been filed so far, and the investigation is underway in all cases. Nalawade emphasized the importance of reporting such videos and being alert to them.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against an unidentified individual for allegedly uploading a deepfake video featuring actor Ranveer Singh. The video, which has since been removed, appeared to show Singh endorsing a political party. However, Singh’s father has stated that the actor never made such a statement and has no affiliation with any political organization.
