Arab artist targeted in deepfake extortion attempt
Iraqi-Tunisian artist Zahra Ben Maim was targeted in an extortion attempt by an unknown person who demanded $50,000 to prevent publication of a fabricated deepfake video created using AI. Ben Maim publicly disclosed the incident, refusing to pay and warning about the growing threat of AI-based deepfake extortion affecting individuals across the Arab region.
What happened
An unknown person contacted Iraqi-Tunisian artist Zahra Ben Maim and demanded $50,000 to prevent publication of a fabricated scandalous video created using artificial intelligence techniques.
Ben Maim confirmed the video did not exist and documented the extortion call, posting details on TikTok to alert the public and refusing to pay.
Reported impact
Ben Maim stated this incident represents a threat to digital privacy and security, and warned of the rapid spread of electronic extortion crimes using AI-based deepfakes targeting public figures and private individuals across the Arab world and beyond.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.