PUTRAJAYA: The public has been urged to watch out for scam tactics involving false videos and images, or deepfakes, created using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that while AI can be beneficial to development, some quarters chose to misuse it.
"In an Instagram post, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza showed a WhatsApp video call that seemed as if she was talking, when it is a live deepfake," he said at the ministry's monthly assembly here on Monday (July 15).
"AI can be used for good and evil. We need to be cautious of the information received and ensure that any video received is genuine or produced by AI."
Fahmi also called on the national news agency Bernama and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to publicise and educate the public on the dangers of scam tactics using AI deepfakes.
On Sunday (July 14), the country's No. 1 singer revealed the latest tactic used by scammers believed to be using AI technology to imitate her voice and face for profit.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said he will meet representatives of all social media platforms in Singapore later this month to discuss several matters, including the dangers of AI.
"I hope the issue of AI-generated deepfakes can be addressed by Meta, as WhatsApp is under the company,” he said.
At the same time, he also suggested that all ministries utilise AI in their tasks and requested the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (Ipptar) to coordinate courses on the technology.
"AI can help not only in creating content but also in other aspects such as coding, programming and data analysis,” he said.
Also present at the assembly were the ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama chief executive chairman Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. – Bernama
