AI Scam Ads Use PM Deepfake to Target Australians

Artificially generated videos featuring fabricated images and speech of a national leader are being used in AI-driven scam ads on YouTube. These ads promise unlikely financial gains and raise urgent concerns about digital safety and regulation.A deepfake video of the Australian Prime Minister appeared in a series of misleading YouTube advertisements. These ads claim users can earn easy money by investing $400 into a cryptocurrency platform in return for supposed "dividends from taxes." The video, with the PM speaking in an American accent, falsely suggests official government support.

The scam is designed to resemble legitimate news coverage. It includes fake branding from sources like Canadian network CTV to appear credible. While similar scam ads have appeared on platforms like Facebook, this version targets viewers through YouTube on television screens. This shift increases the risk of manipulation as the boundaries between entertainment and misinformation become less clear. According to data from OzTAM, YouTube now accounts for 7.7% of all content viewed on Australian TV screens, putting it just behind Netflix.

YouTube’s parent company has confirmed that the ad was removed. It also stated that over five billion ads have been blocked or taken down in 2024 through both automated and manual systems. However, experts say harmful material is still slipping through, exposing the limits of these moderation tools. Some critics point out an imbalance in accountability. Traditional broadcasters would face swift legal action for airing such content, but global digital platforms often avoid similar consequences.

The incident highlights increased concerns that large tech companies are not doing enough to fight sophisticated scams. Legal experts involved in lawsuits against social media firms argue that over-reliance on automated ad tools creates gaps in oversight, making it easier for fraudulent content to reach large audiences.

The Australian government is working on new systems to prevent scams and is calling for stronger efforts from digital platforms. Officials are preparing industry-specific regulatory codes and urging companies like YouTube to take greater responsibility in protecting users from criminal scams online.

Source: Australian Financial Review, Gina Rinehart, TechBusinessNews

Doga Sydney - Corporate Cuddles & Puppy Yoga

Take what you’re doing offline and circle back on team wellness because real team bonding happens with puppies, not PowerPoint. Give your team an event they’ll actually look forward to with Puppy Yoga!

We’ve got you covered with Corporate Cuddles and Puppy Yoga 🐶