AI Used to Create a Fake Avi Loeb on YouTube

Generative AI technology has made impersonating individuals increasingly effortless. From scammers using cloned voices for phishing to deepfakes of deceased celebrities, no one seems immune. Recently, even Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, known for his theory that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS could be an alien spacecraft, has been targeted.

A YouTube channel named Dr. Avi Loeb appears to be using AI to replicate both Loebs voice and appearance. The channels content exploits public curiosity about Loebs research, potentially for financial gain.

Loeb confirmed to Futurism via email, These videos are fake, produced by AI. I reported them to YouTube. Unlike Loebs careful scientific approach, the videos make sensational claims, with titles like 3I/ATLAS Is a PROBE New Data Leaves No Doubt.

In a recent blog post addressing Hubble Telescope images of 3I/ATLAS, Loeb reflected on the dangers of AI impersonation. Imagine videos featuring avatars of scientists that speak in their voice but spread false information. How would the public know what to believe?

Loeb emphasized, This is not science fiction; it is todays reality. In the past two weeks, I received hundreds of emails from followers about a YouTube channel with fake videos about 3I/ATLAS created by AI.

The AI-generated videos display odd, jerky movements and a background clock frozen at a specific time, suggesting manipulation. Loeb stated on his blog, I hold the creators legally liable for defamation and false content. Despite multiple reports, YouTube has not taken action.

YouTubes policies prohibit content that impersonates another person, warning, If your content violates this policy, we may terminate your channel or account.

Loeb suggested financial incentives as a motive: The creators can earn revenue from advertising. My essays reach over 5 million readers monthly on Medium.com. He also noted misinformation as another possible goal.

The channel, created in September and impersonating Loeb since November 24, has over 1.4 million views. If monetized, it could have earned $14,000 to $42,000 based on typical ad payouts. Prior to impersonating Loeb, the account uploaded content in Tagalog featuring a Dr. Ricardo Reyes giving health advice.

Loeb concluded, We live in a new reality where AI-generated fake content is widespread. This creates challenges for verifying online information. Science relies on facts, and AI-generated false content threatens that foundation.

Author: Noah Whitman