AI-generated videos featuring famous personalities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna are being utilized to endorse fraudulent services on TikTok, as per findings from Copyleaks, a verification entity. The company revealed in a recent blog post that these videos commonly showcase digitally manipulated versions of celebrities in well-known media scenarios, such as interviews, red carpet events, and podcast-style settings. Some instances even involve genuine footage that seems to have been modified through AI technology.
These deceptive videos are frequently employed to promote supposed rewards programs that promise users financial gains by watching TikTok content and providing their feedback. Although certain clips exhibit TikTok branding, users are reportedly directed to external platforms that solicit personal details.
In a specific case highlighted by Copyleaks, an AI-generated Taylor Swift impersonation encourages viewers to register for a service known as “TikTok Pay.” Similarly, a falsified Rihanna portrayal promotes a comparable initiative, asserting that users can earn money by interacting with the content.
Furthermore, Meta’s social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are also grappling with a surge in deceptive advertisements, with the company’s oversight board acknowledging the difficulties posed by deepfakes. Notably, Taylor Swift has recently initiated new trademark filings in the U.S. related to her vocal recordings, a move widely perceived as a strategy to mitigate the risk of AI-generated impersonations.