Editorial | 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.
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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.