Tougher policing of deepfakes needed, as Taylor Swift and Hong Kong’s John Lee become latest victims
- Social media platforms must ensure their policies can keep abreast of sinister technology developments, which have included victims such as Hong Kong leader John Lee and pop star Taylor Swift
The saying “pictures don’t lie” has been tested time and again in the age of social media. As artificial intelligence makes inroads into different spheres, it is becoming apparent that no picture can be trusted to tell the truth for certain these days, as reflected in the deepfake images of singer Taylor Swift and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.
Using deepfake technology, online clips have featured news reports and programmes showing Lee and others promoting investment schemes with high returns. The government swiftly clarified that the video was totally fictitious and fraudulent.
Meanwhile, deepfake porn images of Taylor Swift also went viral on social media, prompting the White House to voice alarm and urge the US Congress to take legislative action.
As the American presidential election heats up, the fight against misinformation and fake online content has become more critical.
08:32
Late Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng brought back to life as interactive ‘virtual human’
So far no victims have fallen for the investment scam featuring Lee, and the case has been referred to police for investigation.
A similar warning was issued by the Chief Executive’s Office in September 2022 after Lee’s image and fabricated quotes were used in a bid to lure people to a suspicious online trading platform.
Earlier, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also urged the public not to respond to deepfake videos of him promising guaranteed investment returns after they emerged on social media.
Other cases have not been victimless. Last year, a Japanese man reported losing HK$1,700 (US$220) in computer game credits after being fooled by a fake television interview that appeared to show a Hong Kong bank chief executive.
Deepfake porn images of Taylor Swift have gone viral. Fans are fighting back
And a Hong Kong man told police he was blackmailed over a video in which his face was superimposed on the naked body of someone engaged in sex acts.
Social media platforms must ensure their policies can keep abreast of sinister technology developments. This includes removing falsified or manipulated content designed to mislead.
The government also must work harder to track down those producing fake content. Much legislation was enacted before the emergence of these new technologies.
Officials should review the relevant laws to ensure there are sufficient tools to deal with fake online content.
