Concerns have been raised over the impact of the rapid rise in the usage of sophisticated artificial intelligence techniques, such as deepfakes, to produce incredibly realistic online betting ads on Bangladeshi social media users.
According to a study by Dismislab, marketers are employing artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including deepfakes, to produce misleading newscasts and fake quotes from well-known politicians to advertise gaming applications.
Misuse of AI for deceptive advertising
Since September, deepfake videos in over 140 Facebook adverts have falsely claimed that Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, finances and supports gambling apps.
Some adverts are creating fake news segments mimicking real TV broadcasts. For example, one video shows a Channel 24 news anchor falsely reporting that Bangladesh had major flooding and the Yunus Foundation, with Bangar Social Casino, provided financial help to flood victims.
Severe floods have struck Bangladesh. The Yunus Foundation and Bangar Social Casino have allocated five million takas to support the victims.
Tanveer Ahmed, Channel 24 news anchor
When Channel 24 was approached, they confirmed that the video had been altered, using Tanveer Ahmed’s footage. Tanveer Ahmed himself informed Dismislab that his footage was used for deepfake content.
Another advert falsely claims that Muhammad Yunus legalised internet casinos and that Sheikh Hasina will face more jail time for underreporting casino earnings. Logos of reputable media outlets are displayed alongside these false claims.
All these videos are fake, and we want to draw Meta’s attention to these matters.
Apurba Jahangir, deputy press secretary to Muhammad Yunus
Challenges in regulating online gambling ads
Deepfake technology’s usage in online advertising raises serious issues about the dissemination of false information and emphasises the need for stronger laws and enforcement. Google’s online gambling advertising standards have comparable ramifications, so these problems are not exclusive to Meta.
In areas without legal gambling regulations, Google bans online gambling adverts. However, enforcing these laws is difficult, especially in areas like Bangladesh, where regulatory control varies. More efficient regulation of gambling advertisements by these platforms could prevent the dissemination of misinformation and strengthen public confidence, both in Bangladesh and globally.
