AI-generated deepfake ads exploit Nigerian public figures for scams

What happened

Fake advertisements using AI-generated deepfake videos and voices of Nigerian public figures have been circulating on Facebook and Instagram. The advertisements featured Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, promoting a cure for prostate cancer attributed to Dr Zayo Mokoena, and Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye endorsing an erectile dysfunction treatment attributed to Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme.

ARCON's preliminary investigation revealed that the videos and images were computer-generated using artificial intelligence and software to simulate voice and image likeness without the consent of the public figures depicted.

Reported impact

The advertisements were designed to mislead the Nigerian public into believing false medical claims and fraudulent offers. ARCON stated that these materials targeted unsuspecting consumers with the intention to defraud them.

Index analysis

ARCON identified the fraudulent content primarily on Meta platforms, namely Facebook and Instagram. The regulatory body confirmed these were part of a growing trend of unethical digital advertising exploiting public figures through deepfake technology.

Governance controls

ARCON established a special enforcement unit to monitor and respond to such infractions in real time. The council announced it would take legal action against Meta Inc., advertisers, and advertisement agencies involved in the creation and dissemination of the unethical advertisements.

Classification

Organizations

Meta (deployer), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) (regulator), Pastor Enoch Adeboye (victim), Seun Okinbaloye (victim)

Category

Fraud, scams and manipulation

Industry

Media, social platforms and marketing

Country

Nigeria

Harm status

Potential harm

Intent

Intentional

Timing

Unknown

Harm types

Economic or property, Reputational, Public interest

Harmed

General public, Consumers

Failure modes

Deepfake image, Deepfake video, Voice clone, Manipulation or dark pattern

Consequences

Regulatory investigation

AI systems

AI-generated deepfake video and voice technology

Regulations

GDPR (cited)

Sources and evidence

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