Poker Writer
MGM China issued a warning after a deepfake video of Chairperson and Executive Director Pansy Ho circulated online. The video utilizes AI-generated technology to depict Ho promoting an investment scheme that does not exist.
The video made it seem as though Ho was promoting an investment opportunity that promised “hundredfold” returns. But MGM China made it clear that the video in no way represented anything connected to the company or any of its investments.
From the official statement released by MGM China:
MGM China reiterates that neither the Company nor Ms. Pansy Ho has at any time been involved in, authorized, or endorsed the purported investment plan featured in the deepfake video. The video was neither created nor released by the Company or Ms. Pansy Ho. MGM China condemns these acts of impersonation and misrepresentation in the strongest terms and reserves all legal rights against the parties involved, to protect our rights and interests.
The company emphasized that legal action is forthcoming against anyone involved in creating the deepfake video. It also cautioned people to verify information through official channels to avoid situations like this in the future. It also urged anyone to “cease disseminating the fraudulent video and its associated claim.”
Increase Risk of Deep Fake Videos
Deepfake videos are increasing in volume across the internet as the lines around reality continue to blur. There is worry that more and more deepfake videos will be used for fraudulent and other sinister purposes across various industries.
Tech and gambling sectors seem to be particularly in the crosshairs of deepfake scam potential. Politics is also an avenue where worry exists. Bad faith actors can use deepfake videos to dupe the public by impersonating influential figures.
Like the MGM China episode, many deepfake videos can be used to scam. Others are made with humorous intent. Nevertheless, they can hurt individuals’ reputations and do damage with someone’s likeness when used in such a manner.
A recent example of this came from the poker world where Wiktor “Limitless” Malinowski distributed a video on his X account that made fun of Frank “Frankie C” Cucchiara in a crude manner. The video shows Frankie C saying things he never said.
The comments in reaction to the video show the exact worry with this type of technology. Several were unaware it was AI-generated and fake. While a few found it funny, many said that it was not and declared it unethical.
