#Deepfakes

For families who have lost someone close, the first months after a death are a time of memory and closure. But a quiet, unsettling question has begun to surface in research rooms and newsroom desks: could AI-generated representations of people who have died—voices, faces, even entire personas—be used to relive the past in ways that alter how we remember them? The question is not merely about technology hype. It touches on memory, consent, dignity, and how societies, including Thailand, handle the digital afterlife in a culture rooted in reverence for elders, ancestors, and the stories we tell about them.

The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly undermining the foundations of democracy worldwide, according to new research and official warnings. Tools that generate realistic fake images, videos, and audio are being weaponized to deceive voters, influence election outcomes, and foster distrust in democratic processes—often with little oversight or effective countermeasures from authorities or technology firms. This wave of AI-driven disinformation has already played a pivotal role in elections from Europe to Asia, prompting urgent debates on safeguarding electoral integrity and political discourse.

A new wave of AI-powered deception is challenging democratic systems worldwide, with fake images, videos, and audio tools making misinformation more convincing than ever. Experts warn that without stronger safeguards, voters can be misled, public trust can erode, and election integrity can be compromised. This is a pressing issue for Thai readers preparing for future elections in a highly connected digital environment.

Thailand’s online landscape is vibrant yet vulnerable. High internet penetration and widespread use of social media mean information—both accurate and false—spreads quickly. To protect the public sphere, Thailand needs clear labeling of AI-generated content, better media literacy campaigns, and stronger platform moderation. These measures will help ensure an informed electorate and stable social cohesion.

The explosive rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has ushered in a new wave of deceptive online marketing, with AI-generated “deepfakes” flooding platforms such as TikTok to push unverified—and often dangerous—sexual health cures and supplements. Recent investigations reveal that these convincing but fraudulent videos, which often feature deepfaked celebrities and so-called “AI doctors,” are duping millions of viewers worldwide and putting public health at risk, according to a report by AFP published on Tech Xplore (techxplore.com).

A surge in AI-generated “deepfakes” is fueling a dangerous wave of bogus sexual-health cures and supplements sold online. Reports show convincing videos featuring fake doctors and celebrity likenesses are duping millions, risking public health rather than providing genuine care. The phenomenon, highlighted by AFP and picked up by Tech Xplore, underscores how quickly deceptive content can spread in Southeast Asia and beyond.

In Thailand, digitally savvy consumers are repeatedly exposed to sophisticated scams that blend health myths with technology. Data from regional cybercrime researchers indicates a notable rise in scams that misuse AI to impersonate medical authorities and push unverified products. This creates financial losses and erodes trust in legitimate health guidance, making urgent policy and education responses essential.