Deepfakes are wrecking influencers’ credibility, one fake ad at a time

Influencers are facing a new threat where deepfakes (AI-generated fake videos or images that look realistic) of them are being used in fake sponsored ads without their permission. Emily Schuman, a lifestyle influencer with over 500,000 followers, discovered multiple fake ads showing AI versions of herself promoting products like GLP-1 drugs, makeup, and blood tests, which confused her followers and damaged her credibility since she never actually endorsed these products.