Deepfake
A deepfake is a synthetic video, image, or audio clip created with AI to make a real person appear to say or do something they never actually did. While it uses the same underlying technology as creative AI video and voice tools, the word deepfake specifically refers to deceptive, non-consensual use meant to mislead, impersonate, or defraud people.
Example: A video of a "minister" announcing something they never said: that's a deepfake.
How deepfakes work and why they are a threat
Faking someone's face or voice in a video used to require expensive visual-effects studios. Today, advances in face swapping, lip sync, and voice cloning mean scammers only need a few seconds of public audio or photos from social media to imitate a real person.
In Malaysia, the biggest risks are financial fraud (AI scams) and reputational harm. A common tactic involves fake social media ads showing public figures, newsreaders, or celebrities with altered lip movements and cloned voices appearing to endorse bogus investment schemes.
Creative AI video vs deepfake: where the line sits
As someone who makes AI films, I draw a strict boundary between ethical creative storytelling and deceptive deepfakes:
- Ethical AI video creation: Uses original fictional characters, stylised worlds, or real people who have given explicit permission, made openly for entertainment, parody, or learning without tricking viewers about real-world events.
- Deepfake misuse: Uses a real person's face or voice without their consent to impersonate them, spread falsehoods, extort victims, or trick people into handing over money.
5 practical signs to spot an AI scam or deepfake
Even as AI models improve, hastily produced scam videos usually leave clues when you pause and look closely:
- Mouth and teeth blurring: The lips look slightly smudged, stiff, or out of sync with natural Malay or English syllables.
- Flat vocal delivery: The voice lacks natural breathing pauses, stumbles on local names, or sounds strangely monotone.
- Edge flicker around the face: Glasses, earrings, hairlines, or headscarf edges shimmer or warp when the person turns their head.
- Too-good-to-be-true claims: A famous figure suddenly promises guaranteed returns or urges you to message an unverified WhatsApp or Telegram link.
- Missing from official channels: The clip only appears on a random sponsored page and cannot be found on verified social accounts or trusted news outlets.
How to protect your family and where to report in Malaysia
A simple defence against voice-cloning phone scams is setting a private family codeword, or hanging up immediately and calling your relative back on their saved phone number before transferring any money.
If you or someone you know is targeted in Malaysia:
- If money has been transferred to a scammer: Call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) on 997 or your bank's 24-hour fraud hotline immediately to help trace and block the funds, then lodge a report with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
- If someone is impersonating you or spreading malicious fake media online: Report the post on the social platform, file a police report with PDRM, and submit a complaint to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Common questions
Is creating or sharing a deepfake illegal in Malaysia?
Using someone's likeness or voice without consent to defraud, defame, extort, or impersonate them can violate existing Malaysian criminal and communications laws. When making creative AI videos, always use original fictional characters or get clear permission from anyone featured.
What should I do if I see an AI scam ad using a celebrity or leader's face?
Do not click any links in the post and do not forward it without warning others it is fake. Use the platform's built-in Report button to flag it for scam or impersonation, and warn older family members who may see similar ads.
Can scammers clone a voice from a short audio clip?
Yes, modern voice cloning tools can mimic a person's tone from a short, clear recording — often taken from public social media videos. Never transfer money based on a voice call alone; always hang up and verify through a known number or in person.
Want to learn how to create ethical, original AI videos step by step? Explore the video recipes at /resipi/ or read the guides at /belajar/.