Prominent African businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has raised the alarm over the growing risks of artificial intelligence (AI) misuse following the circulation of a deepfake video falsely portraying him endorsing a forex and cryptocurrency trading platform.
Elumelu disclosed the incident on his X account on Monday, noting that the video appeared remarkably realistic but was entirely fabricated.
“A few days ago, my team flagged an AI-generated video of me endorsing a forex and crypto platform. It looked and sounded remarkably real, but it was completely fake. This incident highlights a growing and serious threat to digital trust,” he wrote.
He stressed that he has no affiliation with any cryptocurrency or foreign exchange trading platforms.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not associated with any crypto or forex trading platforms. My commitment to inclusive prosperity has always been through long-term investments, building sustainable businesses, and empowering entrepreneurs,” Elumelu said.
While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential, the business leader urged African youths to embrace the technology responsibly and leverage it to develop scalable solutions.
“I strongly believe in the potential of AI. It is a defining technology of our time, and African youth must be at the forefront of adopting it to build scalable solutions. We cannot afford to be left behind in the global tech race,” he added.
Elumelu, however, cautioned that rapid technological advancement carries significant risks if left unregulated.
“But the flip side of rapid innovation is the risk of abuse. The ease with which identities can now be cloned to deceive the public is alarming. Policymakers and regulators must act now to establish safeguards and hold those using it to scam innocent people accountable,” he warned.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and protect themselves against digital fraud.
“We must create a safe digital environment where true innovation can thrive without being overshadowed by fraud. Protect your hard-earned money, stay alert, and let us continue to build the Africa we deserve,” he said.
In his post, Elumelu tagged Elon Musk and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, calling for stronger safeguards against AI misuse.
The incident reflects a broader trend of AI-powered scams targeting high-profile Nigerians. Earlier in March, former vice president Atiku Abubakar had to deny a similar AI-generated video in which he appeared to promise massive giveaways to citizens. Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed the former vice president had no connection to the misleading campaign.
Elumelu’s warning underscores the urgent need for both regulatory frameworks and public awareness to combat the misuse of artificial intelligence in Nigeria and beyond.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
No comments:
Post a Comment