Singapore PM reacts to viral deep fake videos of him endorsing crypto scams

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has cautioned the public against falling for deepfake videos circulating on social media, wherein he is falsely depicted endorsing cryptocurrency scams.

Addressing the issue on his Facebook page, Lee highlighted the misuse of AI technology to manipulate his voice and images, transforming authentic footage into deceptive videos with fabricated statements.

The Prime Minister revealed awareness of multiple videos falsely promoting cryptocurrency scams, with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also being a target. One manipulated video, titled “Leaders Talk,” shows Lee in an interview with a CGTN presenter, falsely attributing statements about a government-backed investment platform linked to Elon Musk.

Lee urged the public not to engage with these fraudulent videos promising guaranteed returns on investments or ‘giveaways.’ Emphasising the use of AI in the creation of these scams, he urged Singaporeans to report such instances through the official government ScamShield Bot on WhatsApp.

This incident is not the first time Lee has raised concerns about the dangers of AI. In previous social media posts, he highlighted the increasing challenge of discerning reality as AI technology advances. Lee also noted that scammers often exploit periods of heightened media coverage to run cryptocurrency scams and fake advertisements using his image.

In his latest warning, Lee acknowledged the growing threat of deepfake technology in spreading disinformation and emphasised the need for vigilance. He called on the public to protect themselves and their loved ones against such scams, recognizing the continued evolution of these deceptive practices.