No, Virat Kohli isn’t promoting a betting app.
The latest celebrity deepfake targets Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, in a bid to promote a betting app. Here’s what you need to know.
We are all aware of the capabilities that generative artificial intelligence possesses, from crafting movie scripts to producing lifelike videos, using tools such as OpenAI’s Sora. However, a byproduct of this plaguing the internet is the rise of deepfakes and the growing spread of misinformation.
Recently, numerous deepfake videos featuring various celebrities have circulated widely, with many unsuspecting individuals accepting them at face value. The latest target is none other than Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli.
Fraudsters are reportedly using a deepfake of Kohli to endorse a fake ad, particularly one promoting betting apps with Kohli vouching for guaranteed profits. This spread of false information is particularly concerning, especially for those less competent at identifying the authenticity of something like the said deepfake.
क्या ये सच में @anjanaomkashyap मैम और विराट कोहली हैं? या फिर यह AI का कमाल है?अगर यह AI कमाल है तो बेहद खतरनाक है। इतना मिसयूज? अगर रियल है तो कोई बात ही नहीं। किसी को जानकारी हो तो बताएँ।@imVkohli pic.twitter.com/Q5RnDE3UPr
— Shubham Shukla (@ShubhamShuklaMP) February 18, 2024
In an effort to further build the credibility of the misleading advertisement, the fraudster went a step further by adding a well-known Indian journalist along with broadcast-grade graphics, creating the illusion that the ad was broadcasted live on TV. However, this was far from the truth.
In the fake ad, Kohli’s fake voice promotes the app, claiming big rewards. His lip-sync is almost convincing, but if you pay attention, there’s a robotic feel to the voice. To tell if it’s real or fake, use common sense and consider whether a big celebrity like Kohli would actually endorse a betting app.
In related news, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, too, had fallen victim to a similar deepfake earlier this year. The deepfake promoted a game that could yield substantial profits. “These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology. Request everyone to report videos, ads & apps like these in large numbers,” Tendulkar said on the same.
