16-7-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a concerning revelation, popular Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin has exposed fraudulent activities that have exploited her voice and appearance using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Victims in Malaysia have been lured with the promise of a video call from the singer, only to be tricked into parting with their money for fictitious rewards, as reported by the Malay language newspaper Harian Metro.
Siti Nurhaliza took to her social media on Sunday to shed light on the fraudulent use of her face and voice, sharing a video of the fabricated calls that utilized an AI-generated simulation. “Fake. Do not believe the scammers. They are using my name and picture, and even an AI voice to convince people,” she warned her followers.
The singer expressed her outrage at the malicious exploitation of her likeness, stating, “They also took my live videos with the intent to entrap and deceive people.” Siti Nurhaliza urged the public to raise awareness of such scams, emphasizing, “I have never organized any contests or offered cash rewards to anyone. Do not be deceived when receiving these messages and video calls.”
Numerous fraudsters have exploited her identity and image, often targeting the elderly, according to Siti Nurhaliza’s statement. The revelation has sparked concerns about the misuse of AI technology and the potential for such scams to proliferate.
Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called for members of the public to be wary of scam tactics involving the dissemination of fake videos and images or deepfakes created through AI. He noted that Siti Nurhaliza had shown in her Instagram post “a WhatsApp video call that seemed as if she was talking, when it is actually a live deepfake.”
“AI can be used for good and evil,” Fahmi said at the ministry’s monthly assembly on Monday, as reported by Bernama. “We need to be cautious of the information received and ensure any video received is genuine or produced through an AI application.”
Fahmi called on the Bernama news agency and Radio Televisyen Malaysia to publicize and educate the public on the dangers of scam tactics using AI deepfakes. He also announced plans to meet with representatives of social media platforms in Singapore later this month to discuss matters including the dangers of AI on their platforms.
“I hope the issue of AI-generated deepfakes can be addressed by Meta as WhatsApp is under Meta’s responsibility,” he said.
Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, the director of Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department, urged victims of scams involving fake videos and images created using AI to lodge a report with the police. “Such scams are becoming more frequent, and we anticipate that they will continue to occur … deepfakes are indeed very difficult to tackle because they require verification from the victims,” he said.
