3 - 5 minute read
Tencent Cloud, the cloud services provider arm of Chinese tech giant Tencent, has recently launched a new digital human production platform. This platform allows users to create deepfakes of any individual based on a three-minute video clip and 100 sentences of voice material. The deepfake generator uses Tencent’s in-house artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to recreate fake videos of an individual. This service costs roughly 1,000 yuan or $145 and can produce a convincing deepfake video within 24 hours.
The rise of deepfake videos has become a growing concern for many, as scammers have widely adopted deepfakes to mislead investors by impersonating prominent figures. In 2022, Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned against the rising number of deepfakes impersonating him to promote cryptocurrency scams. The platform offered by Tencent Cloud can analyze and train itself on three-minute videos and 100 voice clips to produce a convincing deepfake video. The service can develop deepfakes in Chinese and English and offers creation of digital humans in five styles: 3D realistic, 3D semi-realistic, 3D cartoon, 2D real person, and 2D cartoon.
According to a report by Jiemian, Tencent intends to use the service for hosting live-streamed infomercials for the Chinese demographic. The report also reveals that other applications of deepfakes may include representing “doctors, lawyers, and other professionals.” The Register, a news media outlet, has confirmed the development with Tencent and highlighted that other Chinese tech giants, including Huawei and Baidu, have started developing their own versions of generative AI tools to rival market leader ChatGPT.
Elon Musk's deep fake video promoting a new cryptocurrency scam going viral. The video claims that the trading platform is owned by Elon Musk, and offers 30% returns on crypto deposits. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/iJeUvHYc5p
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) May 24, 2022
The implications of this technology are significant for traders and investors. Deepfakes can be used to manipulate markets, and traders must be aware of the potential risks involved. The use of AI to create deepfakes could also have a significant impact on society, particularly in politics and the media. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated, it will be increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake videos.
The Bottom Line
The launch of Tencent Cloud’s deepfake production platform highlights the increasing sophistication of AI technology. Traders and investors must be aware of the potential risks involved in deepfake technology and take steps to protect themselves. As AI technology continues to develop, it is essential to stay informed and educated to make informed trading decisions.
