Vietnamese singers targeted by deepfake AI in fraudulent product ads
Vietnamese celebrities Hồ Ngọc Hà and Ngô Thanh Vân reported that their images and voices were being used without permission in AI-generated deepfake advertisements for unauthorized products, deceiving consumers and damaging their reputations.
What happened
Singer Hồ Ngọc Hà issued a warning that her image and voice were being used without permission via AI technology to advertise products from unknown sources. Ngô Thanh Vân reported similar issues, stating that people with bad intent used AI to create fake audio and video of her endorsing products she had never used or partnered with.
Both celebrities complained that malicious accounts were impersonating them through deepfakes and edited content to deceive consumers. The victims stated these fraudulent uses harmed their reputation, brand value, and created confusion among fans and business partners.
Reported impact
Consumers were deceived into purchasing products they believed were endorsed by the celebrities but were not. Fans reportedly sent angry messages upon discovering they had been misled by fraudulent advertisements.
The celebrities' professional relationships and brand partnerships were jeopardized by the fraudulent impersonation. Both artists expressed frustration that the scams damaged their credibility with partners and audiences.
Governance controls
Hồ Ngọc Hà appealed to regulatory and cybersecurity authorities to investigate and protect artists and consumers from such abuse. Ngô Thanh Vân called for media outlets, advertising regulators, and others using her image to take action against the fraud.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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