Tay Ping Hui Warns Fans About Fake AI Video Scam

Actor Tay Ping Hui has raised concerns over a manipulated video that falsely portrays him endorsing a medication, which has circulated online. On August 22, 2023, the 54-year-old actor took to his Instagram account to share a clip of the AI-generated video and warned his followers against engaging with any links associated with the product.

In his post, Tay expressed his displeasure, stating, “It has come to my attention that my image has been used in fake AI marketing videos. I am flattered that they thought using my image would give their scam more credibility. But at the same time, I am pretty pissed at how lazy they were.” He highlighted that the AI-generated image of him in the video was inaccurate and did not resemble his actual appearance. Furthermore, the doctored footage included segments from his appearance on Allan Wu’s podcast, Call Us Daddy, which aired in March.

The actor further criticized the creators of the video for their lack of professionalism, adding, “Also, maybe [don’t] use repetitive footage for different parts of the talk, it’s just unprofessional.” His remarks underscore the growing concern over the use of AI technologies in misleading content.

Tay initially learned about the unauthorized video after receiving messages from concerned fans. He spoke about this incident in an interview with the Chinese-language publication Lianhe Zaobao, confirming that several netizens reached out to verify the authenticity of the video. “Thankfully, several netizens sent me private messages to check. I told them this was a scam,” he noted.

As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, incidents like this raise significant ethical questions regarding the use of digital technology. Public figures are particularly vulnerable, as their images can be manipulated to promote products or services without consent. Tay’s case serves as a reminder for fans to remain vigilant and critically assess the content they encounter online, especially when it involves endorsements or promotional claims.

This incident is part of a broader trend where celebrities find themselves at the mercy of technology that can misrepresent their likeness for commercial gain. As awareness grows, Tay Ping Hui’s proactive stance against this misuse of his image may encourage others to speak out against similar fraudulent activities.