The question is how many people realized it was a scam too late, but we fear it is a very high number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deepfake recordings existed even before the advent of artificial intelligence in the form we know it today (ChatGPT, Bard, Bing, Midjourney...). But with the advent of large language models, these recordings have become frighteningly realistic. It was only a matter of time before miscreants used this advanced technology for evil purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They chose the best possible target. MrBeast is known for his extravagant YouTube videos in which he delights his fans and passers-by with expensive cars, private jets, phones, houses and similar gifts. A scenario where MrBeast would give away almost free iPhone 15s isn't too unusual either. Even the malicious ones bet on it. The fake MrBeast urged viewers to click on a link in the video, but behind the scenes was the intent to steal data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A deepfake video of MrBeast recently surfaced on TikTok, where it has likely caused massive damage, not only to users, but also to the platform, which will now grapple with questions about how to prevent this in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MrBeast isn't the only victim of AI scams. Putin's image has also been misused in the past to spread false information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although celebrities are more attractive targets, ordinary mortals are also at risk. BBC journalists Matthew Amroliwala and Sally Bundock have also experienced this firsthand. Their image was used to promote a financial scam. In the video, the journalist is supposed to be hosted by the richest Earthling, Elon Musk, who is supposed to be interrogating him about the currently supposedly most profitable investment opportunity. Elon Musk has also been a victim of deepfake videos in the past, in which he allegedly gave away his wealth and gave advice on cryptocurrencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Until now, Meta (formerly Facebook) attached warnings about possible false information to such videos, which were discovered by the organization FullFact. The latter has set itself the mission of checking all possible irregularities that appear in the news and on social media. A representative of Meta also spoke. \u201cWe do not allow such content on our platforms and have removed it immediately. We are constantly working to improve our systems and encourage anyone who sees content they believe violates our policies to report it using the in-app tools. Then we can study it and take action."<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TikTok also stepped in, removing MrBeast's fake video a few hours after it was posted and blocking the account for violating their terms of use. TikTok lists such "synthetic" videos as prohibited content in its policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n