AI’s emergence of Digital Doppelgangers (digital duplicates of people) and the way they affect how people live on the Internet is becoming increasingly controversial and one of the biggest concerns about the future of the Internet. AI replicas can act, sound and look like actual individuals, blurring the lines between genuine and fake identities.
Digital doppelgangers, including “facial deep fakes”, voice doubles, and hyper-realistic 3D virtual avatars, pose a significant challenge to society and create a major dilemma: What will happen when artificial intelligence becomes “you” on the Web? Read below to learn more about the Digital Doppelgangers.
Digital Doppelgangers
Digital doppelgangers are AI-generated replicas of real people that can imitate their Facial features, Vocal inflexions, Writing habits, Characteristics of personality, Online activity, Decision-making patterns. Digital Doppelgangers are produced through the use of Deepfake applications, Voice synthesiser software, Generative artificial intelligence (image/video), etc.
Some digital doppelgangers were intentionally created for use by individuals, and as a source of enjoyment or for their safety; others were created without the individual’s consent, creating significant security issues and risks. Read below to learn more about the Digital Doppelgangers.
Digital Replicas
Digital Replicas are used in more industry sectors and sectors than ever before:
Entertainment & Media
Celebrities now have licensed AI versions of themselves that can be used in:
- Movies
- Commercials
- Video Games
- Virtual Meet and Greets
- So they can “appear” at these different locations without physically being present.
Customer Service & Business
Executives or Brand Influencers are now creating Virtual Clones of themselves to:
- Be at Virtual Events
- Host Online Training
- Respond to Customer Questions
- Represent their Brands 24×7
Personal Use
There are several people who have created an AI Replica of themselves for use in:
- Digital still photo albums
- Virtual Friends
- Social Media Accounts with 3D Avatars
Education and Training
AI Replicas of Teachers, Doctors or Public Figures enable students to use Interactive Simulations in their Learning and Training Experience.
What Happens When AI Clones Our Identity Online?
With the availability of inexpensive and easy-to-use AI cloning software, it is also possible for this technology to be abused.
Deepfake Scams & Fraud
Cybercriminals use digital clones to:
- Impersonate someone’s voice when they are attempting to commit fraud at a bank
- Contact family members to ask for money
- Pretend to be business executives in a corporate fraud scheme
Reputation Damage
Digital duplicates can be created and distributed:
- Fake statements about someone
- Deepfake videos of someone
- Posts that have been manipulated to damage someone’s reputation within a few minutes
Invasion of Privacy
- Anyone with your photo, video, or audio can use those items to re-create your digital image.
Workplace Impersonations
Using fake employee identities allows criminals to get around the verification process and commit fraud.
Emotional Toll
The knowledge that an artificial version of you exists can contribute to:
- Feelings of anxiety
- Loss of your true identity
- Loss of control over your identity
- Embarrassment in public
Why Digital Doppelgangers Are So Convincing
Today’s Artificial Intelligence can create ‘doppelgangers’ or look-a-likes due to the use of:
- Neural Rendering Technology allows for the realistic production of facial expressions, Similar to a human’s face.
- Voice Cloning Models learn from your Individual voice, including tone, inflexion, accent and pausing.
- Behavioural Models help to predict responses based on your individual personality.
- Motion and Gesture Models simulate body language similar to that used by humans.
- By combining all four of these concepts together, Digital Doppelgangers can be so convincing that they may actually fool those who know you well, like close friends and family members.
Ethical Uses of Digital Doppelgangers
While there are significant concerns with the use of Digital Doppelgangers, there are many benefits when used in an ethical manner, of course, with consent.
Productivity
- Digital Doppelgangers can take on your responsibilities.
- Meetings
- Emails
- Content
Safety
Digital Doppelgangers can attend potentially dangerous events or environments for you.
Legacy Preservation
Digital memories of loved ones (digital archives).
Accessibility
Those with disabilities can use Digital Doppelgangers to communicate and/or work more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions On Digital Doppelgangers
What is a digital doppelganger?
A digital doppelganger refers to an AI-generated representation of a living person’s facial features or appearance (the 3D image), voice, or behaviour (through AI-generated audio recordings).
How are AI-created identity clones made?
The technology enabling their creation consists of deepfake technologies, voice synthesis, generative AI, and behavioural modelling using machine learning algorithms trained with personal information about the individual.
Are digital doppelgangers illegal?
Yes, as long as they were created with the express permission of the individual whose identity they created. However, in many countries, creating an AI impersonation (by using a doppelganger without the express consent of the individual) is illegal.
Could AI doppelgangers be used for financial fraud?
Absolutely. Voice and video-based deepfake technology have been used in many scams, including impersonating a CEO, bank fraud, and on-the-job scams in general.
