Peru: AI-Generated Deepfakes of Prominent Journalists and Celebrities Used in Investment Scam
Journalists Jomayvit Gálaga and Verónica Linares targeted in con videos
Location: PeruDate: March 17, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the exploitation of AI technology to create deepfake videos of journalists Jomayvit Gálaga and Verónica Linares, among other notable Peruvian personalities, for the promotion of fraudulent investment schemes. Alarmingly, this is just the latest in a series of deepfake scams targeting women journalists globally. Women Press Freedom has documented similar incidents in Ireland and South Africa. These deepfakes not only damage the reputation of these journalists but also erode public trust in credible sources of information. Governments must enact robust legislation to protect the press and the public from malicious AI manipulation. We reiterate our call to social media platforms to do more to limit the spread of these AI deepfakes; steps need to be taken to address the issue, which continues to escalate as AI software becomes more accessible and more convincing.
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On March 17, 2024, media channel Perú21TV revealed that an AI-manipulated video promoting an investing scheme featuring its reporter Jomayvit Gálaga and other Peruvian celebrities, including América TV’s Verónica Linares, was being shared online.
The scam videos replicated the interview format of Perú21TV and exploited the likeness of Gálaga. Those behind the deepfake aimed to deceive unsuspecting audiences into participating in dubious investment opportunities. The videos directed viewers to Telegram channels to make suspect money transactions.
This latest deepfake video mirrors similar occurrences worldwide, such as a deepfake video featuring South African news presenters and Elon Musk in October 2023 and another featuring Irish news presenter Colette Fitzpatrick in January 2024. These videos, albeit unconvincing, demonstrate a concerning trend of exploiting AI technology to manipulate trusted journalists and public figures for fraudulent activities.
In July 2023, Peru’s Executive branch enacted Law 31814, which promotes the use of AI for the nation's economic and social progress. While the law intends to encourage the responsible application of AI, especially concerning privacy and societal well-being, it failed to establish concrete regulations for enforcement. This legal loophole is now being exploited by cybercriminals who create and spread AI deepfakes. Victims of these scams in Peru are urged to report such incidents as cases of identity theft or fraud. The severity of the penalties, ranging from imprisonment to increased sentences for crimes perpetrated by organized groups.
Women Press Freedom is increasingly alarmed by the use of AI technologies to target journalists. Such scams chip away at public trust in journalists and may also be used to manipulate reporters to spread harmful disinformation online. To address this issue adequately in Peru, there is a pressing need for enhanced regulation of AI technologies, including their incorporation into the penal code. Specialized divisions equipped with technical expertise are essential for effectively detecting and prosecuting instances of AI-driven cybercrime. Urgent action is needed to safeguard the integrity of media outlets and journalists, protect the public from fraudulent activities, and uphold the principles of ethical AI usage.
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