Popular YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, recently called out TikTok for featuring an AI-generated deepfake version of himself in a sponsored video advertisement. The ad claimed to offer iPhone 15s for $2 as part of a 10,000 phone giveaway, clearly intended to deceive users.
The sponsored video, complete with MrBeast’s logo and a verified checkmark, was viewed by Insider on the app, showcasing the alarming advancement of AI manipulation technology. The deepfake was evident in distorted voice and uncanny mouth movements, evident to internet-savvy users.
Responding to the issue, MrBeast voiced his concern about the rise of AI deepfakes and questioned social media platforms’ readiness to combat this growing problem. He highlighted the need for a serious approach to tackle the misuse of AI-generated content impersonating real individuals.
TikTok swiftly responded by removing the ad and suspending the associated account for policy violations. The platform explicitly prohibits synthetic media featuring the likeness of real people without their consent.
However, this incident raises a broader concern regarding the proliferation of unauthorized AI-generated content featuring celebrities in advertising. Other notable figures like Tom Hanks, Elon Musk, and Leonardo DiCaprio have faced similar challenges.
As AI technology advances, unauthorized AI-generated content is likely to become even more pervasive. The ease of creating convincing deepfakes poses a significant threat to the authenticity and credibility of content on various platforms.
Experts emphasize the importance of transparency in AI-generated ad campaigns, urging for proper labeling and disclosure to educate the audience. TikTok has acknowledged the issue and initiated efforts to label AI content, a step in the right direction to mitigate the potential harm caused by deepfake technology.
In conclusion, the incident involving MrBeast highlights the urgent need for robust measures to combat the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes in advertising, ensuring a safe and authentic online experience for users.