JOHOR BARU: Police are investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to mimic the face and voice of a state executive councillor in TikTok videos promoting a non-existent Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) scheme.
State police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said police had received a report over the misuse of the image and voice of a Johor exco member on the social media platform.
“State women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail lodged the police report on Friday (Feb 20) after discovering several TikTok accounts using AI technology to impersonate her without consent.
“The accounts were found to be spreading information related to BKJ with the intent to steal personal information from the public,” he said in a press conference held at Johor police headquarters here on Tuesday (Feb 24).
Comm Ab Rahaman added that initial investigations found that the accounts were not official accounts belonging to the Serom assemblyman and were believed to be disseminating false information.
He also said that further checks have so far uncovered 12 other TikTok accounts that were also unlawfully promoting BKJ, allegedly with the intention of deceiving the public.
“These accounts are being investigated to identify the actual owners and determine the involvement of any parties in fraudulent activities or the spread of false information,” he said.
Comm Ab Rahaman said police have not ruled out the possibility that the existence of multiple accounts was part of a planned modus operandi.
He added that the tactic may involve the use of AI technology to impersonate high-profile individuals in order to gain public trust.
Comm Ab Rahaman said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code and under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“So far, no victims have been identified and no financial losses have been reported,” he said adding that police are working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to trace the owners of the accounts.
He added that police are also taking steps to have the accounts and related content taken down immediately.
Comm Ab Rahaman advised the public to remain vigilant and verify information before believing or sharing it.
“All official information should be referred to through the official channels of the Johor state government,” he said.
He stressed that Johor police took seriously the misuse of AI technology to deceive the public.
“Firm action will be taken against any party found involved,” he said.
Comm Ab Rahaman said members of the public with information related to the case are urged to come forward to assist in investigations.
“Be smart, stay alert. Scams can be prevented, but awareness is the key,” he added.
