Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder and former CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has issued a crucial warning to the global crypto community regarding the rise of deepfake videos. In a recent tweet, Zhao alerted users to beware of AI-generated videos that falsely depict him promoting various cryptocurrencies, emphasizing that these misleading videos are circulating on multiple social media platforms.
CZ specifically noted, “There are deepfake videos of me on other social media platforms. Please beware!” He further clarified that these videos often feature an AI-generated version of himself endorsing coins he has never heard of, addressing a lighthearted question about whether he appeared in any of these videos drinking beer.
As artificial intelligence technology advances, scammers are increasingly leveraging it to create sophisticated deepfakes. Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, previously commented on a deepfake video featuring him, predicting that in the near future, distinguishing between real videos and AI-generated fakes will become nearly impossible.
Zhao's warning comes against the backdrop of significant challenges he has faced in recent months. After serving a four-month prison sentence related to charges from the US Department of Justice for violations of securities law and facilitating money laundering, he was released but banned from running Binance again as part of the conditions of his departure. Following his release, Richard Teng took over as CEO.
In addition to his warnings about deepfakes, CZ has been active in other endeavors, including launching Giggle Academy, an online educational initiative aimed at providing free lessons in blockchain, English, and mathematics to underprivileged children. He has also explored opportunities to integrate cryptocurrency into the biotech sector.
As the crypto market anticipates a potential bull run, many hoped for positive momentum following Zhao’s release and a reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve. However, contrary to these expectations, the market has not yet responded as anticipated.
October 2024, Cryptoniteuae