New Delhi: In a concerning turn of events, cyber fraudsters have resorted to manipulating videos of Virat Kohli using sophisticated deepfake technology to fabricate deceptive advertisements. These ads, masquerading as legitimate endorsements, promote a betting application by falsely asserting that the esteemed cricketer vouches for substantial profits from minimal investments.Viral spread of misinformationThe fraudulent video, predominantly circulated in Hindi, has swiftly permeated various social media platforms, capitalizing on Kohlis widespread popularity. The meticulously crafted footage, seemingly featuring Kohli endorsing the betting app during a live news broadcast, is designed to hoodwink unsuspecting viewers with promises of lucrative returns.Exploiting synthetic voices and illusionsTo heighten the illusion of authenticity, the perpetrators have seamlessly integrated a renowned TV journalist into the fabricated video, creating the impression of a legitimate news segment. Through sophisticated alterations, including the substitution of Kohlis genuine voice with a synthetic one, the fraudulent advertisement cunningly suggests his endorsement of the betting platform.क्या ये सच में @anjanaomkashyap मैम और विराट कोहली हैं या फिर यह AI का कमाल हैअगर यह AI कमाल है तो बेहद खतरनाक है। इतना मिसयूज अगर रियल है तो कोई बात ही नहीं। किसी को जानकारी हो तो बताएँ।@imVkohli pic.twitter.com/Q5RnDE3UPr— Shubham Shukla (@ShubhamShuklaMP) February 18, 2024Alarming trend: Deepfake exploitationFurthermore, another deepfake video portrays Kohli conversing in English with an intermittent American accent, further blurring the lines between reality and deception. This alarming trend of exploiting public figures images for nefarious purposes echoes a similar incident involving cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.Sachin Tendulkars vigilant standPreviously, Tendulkar found himself at the center of a counterfeit video scandal, where he was falsely depicted discussing his daughters engagement in a specific game while endorsing its financial benefits. Tendulkar, in response, underscored the imperative for social media platforms to swiftly address such instances of misinformation and deepfake proliferation.Urgent call for actionAddressing the issue on X, Tendulkar emphasized the critical role of social media platforms in combating the dissemination of fraudulent content. He stressed the urgency of proactive measures to curb the spread of deepfakes and safeguard public trust in digital spaces.In conclusion, the exploitation of Virat Kohlis image in deceptive deepfake advertisements underscores the escalating threat of digital manipulation and misinformation. As cyber fraudsters continue to evolve their tactics, it is imperative for both individuals and online platforms to remain vigilant and resilient against such malicious practices.
