A TikTok account that has since been deleted posted a series of videos in which a man who sounded like Omar al-Bashir, the former president of Sudan, made inflammatory statements and called for violence against the government.
However, the Sudanese government said that the videos were fake and that Bashir had not recorded them. The government also accused the creators of the videos of trying to destabilize the country.
Experts have said that the videos are likely the result of voice cloning technology, which allows people to create synthetic voices that sound like real people. The technology is still under development, but it has the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as impersonating people or spreading misinformation.
The use of voice cloning technology to impersonate the ex-president of Sudan is a worrying development. It shows how this technology can be used to spread disinformation and sow discord in society.
It is important to note that voice cloning technology is not yet perfect. It is possible to detect synthetic voices, but it requires specialized knowledge and training.
The best way to protect yourself from voice cloning scams is to be aware of the technology and to be critical of the information you consume. If you see a video or audio recording of someone saying something that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What is voice cloning technology?
Voice cloning technology is a type of artificial intelligence that can be used to create synthetic voices that sound like real people. The technology works by analyzing a sample of a person’s voice and then creating a digital model of that voice. The digital model can then be used to generate synthetic speech.
Voice cloning technology is still under development, but it has the potential to be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating realistic voiceovers for movies and video games, developing new types of customer service applications, and helping people with disabilities to communicate.
How can voice cloning technology be used for malicious purposes?
Voice cloning technology can be used for malicious purposes in a variety of ways. For example, it could be used to impersonate people and make fraudulent transactions or to spread disinformation. It could also be used to create deepfakes, which are videos or audio recordings that have been manipulated to make it look or sound like someone is saying or doing something they never actually said or did.
How can you protect yourself from voice cloning scams?
The best way to protect yourself from voice cloning scams is to be aware of the technology and to be critical of the information you consume. If you see a video or audio recording of someone saying something that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Here are some additional tips to help you protect yourself from voice cloning scams:
- Be careful about what information you share online. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your voice recordings, with people you don’t know and trust.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially if they come from someone you don’t know. Don’t click on links or open attachments in unsolicited messages.
- Be aware of the signs of deepfakes. Deepfakes are often poorly edited and may have unnatural movements or expressions. If you see a video or audio recording that looks or sounds suspicious, it may be a deepfake.
If you think you may have been a victim of a voice cloning scam, report it to the authorities immediately.