Saskatchewan's Moe pursuing the identification of AI-generated 'deepfake' developers
Deepfakes and Impersonation Scams: Saskatchewan Government Actively Investigating
In a concerning development, deepfake videos featuring Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Prime Minister Mark Carney are being used to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. The videos, created using artificial intelligence, have been shared on Premier Moe's official social media platforms.
The Saskatchewan government is actively trying to track down the creators of these deepfake videos. Premier Moe stated that his government is doing "whatever it can" to identify those behind these deceptive campaigns, but acknowledged the difficulty in preventing such scams[1].
The province's consumer watchdog, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan, has issued warnings urging people not to send money to unregistered companies, highlighting ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of these impersonation scams[1][2].
The deepfakes of Premier Moe have been used in online video ads for cryptocurrency schemes, a concern for the integrity of public figures' images online. Moe's image has been used for scams multiple times, first acknowledged in March[3]. The deepfakes are a form of digital manipulation, making them hard even for trained professionals to detect[3].
Premier Moe has clarified that he has never endorsed any cryptocurrency schemes. The deepfakes are being used to promote questionable or illegal activities, which is a breach of Moe's personal rights and a violation of trust[1].
The deepfakes are a significant challenge due to their sophisticated use of artificial intelligence. Legal and regulatory actions, including warnings and potential pursuit of civil actions against unauthorized use of personal likeness, are part of the broader response, though the government’s focus remains on trying to identify the perpetrators behind these deceptive campaigns[1][2].
The public is urged to exercise caution when encountering online content that appears to involve public figures endorsing products or services, especially if they seem suspicious or unusual. If you believe you have been a victim of an impersonation scam, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities.
[1] CBC News. (2022, March 22). Saskatchewan government investigating deepfakes involving Premier Scott Moe. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-deepfakes-scott-moe-1.6416931
[2] Global News. (2022, March 22). Saskatchewan government investigating deepfakes involving Premier Scott Moe. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8765788/saskatchewan-deepfakes-scott-moe-investigation/
[3] CTV News. (2022, March 22). Saskatchewan government investigating deepfakes involving Premier Scott Moe. Retrieved from https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/saskatchewan-government-investigating-deepfakes-involving-premier-scott-moe-1.5998445
Artificial intelligence is being used to create deepfake videos of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, a form of digital manipulation that is hard to detect even for trained professionals. The government is focusing on identifying the creators of these deepfakes, as their use in promoting fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and questionable activities is a breach of Moe's personal rights.
