Artificial intelligence has revolutionized video creation. With just a few prompts, AI video apps can generate lifelike footage of people speaking, moving, and interacting—without ever stepping in front of a camera. While these tools offer exciting possibilities for education, entertainment, and accessibility, they also pose serious risks. Fraud, bullying, and misinformation are emerging as major threats, amplified by the ease and realism of AI-generated video content.
This article explores how AI video apps are being misused, the consequences of these abuses, and what can be done to mitigate harm.
What Are AI Video Apps?
AI video apps use machine learning models to generate or manipulate video content. They can:
- Create synthetic avatars that speak in any language
- Clone voices and facial expressions
- Animate still images into talking videos
- Replace faces in existing footage (deepfakes)
- Generate entire scenes from text prompts
Popular platforms include Google’s Veo, Synthesia, HeyGen, and DeepBrain. These tools are increasingly accessible, with free versions and mobile apps available to the public.
Fraud Enabled by AI Video Apps
1. Impersonation Scams
AI-generated videos can convincingly mimic real people. Scammers use this to:
- Impersonate CEOs in fake video calls
- Trick employees into transferring funds
- Pose as family members in emergency scams
In one case, a Hong Kong company lost $25 million after an employee was duped by a deepfake video of their CFO Aljazeera.
2. Fake Testimonials and Reviews
Businesses use AI avatars to create fake customer reviews:
- Promoting products with fabricated endorsements
- Misleading consumers with false claims
- Undermining competitors with fake complaints
These tactics erode trust in online commerce and violate advertising standards.
3. Synthetic Identity Fraud
AI videos are used to support fake identities:
- Creating realistic ID verification videos
- Bypassing biometric security systems
- Supporting fraudulent loan or account applications
This makes it harder for banks and platforms to detect fraud.
Bullying and Harassment via AI Video
1. Deepfake Harassment
AI tools can create explicit or humiliating videos of real people:
- Superimposing faces onto pornographic content
- Fabricating compromising behavior
- Sharing manipulated videos to shame or intimidate
Victims often face emotional trauma, reputational damage, and social isolation.
2. Cyberbullying Amplification
AI videos are used to mock, impersonate, or ridicule:
- Students creating fake videos of classmates
- Trolls targeting public figures with offensive content
- Harassers spreading false narratives through realistic footage
The realism of AI videos makes bullying more persuasive and harder to refute.
3. Nonconsensual Use of Likeness
Even without malicious intent, using someone’s image or voice without consent can be harmful:
- Violating privacy
- Triggering anxiety or distress
- Creating unwanted associations
This is especially problematic for minors and vulnerable individuals.
Misinformation and Disinformation
1. Political Manipulation
AI videos are used to fabricate political events:
- Fake speeches or interviews
- False endorsements or scandals
- Misleading footage during elections
In 2025, Google’s Veo 3 was linked to a wave of fake videos showing airstrikes in Iran and Israel that never occurred Aljazeera.
2. Social Media Hoaxes
AI-generated videos spread rapidly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram:
- Fake celebrity announcements
- Fabricated news reports
- Viral conspiracy theories
These hoaxes can influence public opinion, incite panic, or damage reputations.
3. Erosion of Trust
As deepfakes become more common, people begin to doubt real footage:
- “Everything could be fake” mentality
- Undermining journalism and evidence
- Creating confusion in legal and civic contexts
This phenomenon is known as the “liar’s dividend”—where the existence of deepfakes allows real wrongdoers to deny authentic evidence (ISC)².
Real-World Examples
| Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong CFO Scam | Employee tricked by deepfake video of CFO, resulting in $25M loss Aljazeera |
| Iran-Israel Airstrike Hoax | AI videos falsely showed missile strikes, spreading panic and misinformation Aljazeera |
| Political Deepfake in India | Fake video of politician making inflammatory remarks circulated before election DISA |
| Student Bullying in U.S. | Teen targeted with AI-generated explicit video, leading to school investigation |
Why AI Video Apps Are So Dangerous
A. Accessibility
- Free or low-cost tools
- No technical expertise required
- Mobile-friendly interfaces
B. Realism
- High-resolution avatars
- Accurate lip-sync and expressions
- Voice cloning and emotion modeling
C. Speed
- Videos generated in minutes
- Easy to share on social media
- Hard to trace or remove
D. Anonymity
- Creators can remain anonymous
- Hard to track origin of content
- Enables coordinated disinformation campaigns
Legal and Ethical Challenges
1. Lack of Regulation
Most countries lack clear laws on:
- Deepfake creation and distribution
- Consent for synthetic likeness
- Liability for harm caused by AI videos
2. Platform Responsibility
Social media platforms struggle to:
- Detect and remove deepfakes
- Enforce content policies
- Balance free speech and safety
3. Victim Protection
Victims face hurdles in:
- Proving harm
- Getting content removed
- Seeking justice or compensation
Mitigation Strategies
A. Technology Solutions
- Watermarking: Embed invisible markers in AI-generated videos
- Detection Tools: Use AI to spot deepfakes (e.g., Deepware, Sensity)
- Verification Platforms: Services like GeoConfirmed track and debunk fake videos Aljazeera
B. Policy and Regulation
- Enact laws against malicious deepfakes
- Require disclosure of synthetic content
- Penalize impersonation and harassment
C. Education and Awareness
- Teach media literacy
- Promote critical thinking
- Encourage responsible use of AI tools
D. Platform Accountability
- Improve moderation algorithms
- Label AI-generated content
- Support victims with takedown tools
The Role of Developers and Creators
AI video app developers must:
- Build ethical safeguards into their tools
- Offer opt-out features for public figures
- Monitor misuse and respond quickly
- Collaborate with regulators and researchers
Creators should:
- Use AI responsibly
- Avoid impersonation or deception
- Disclose synthetic content
- Respect privacy and consent
Conclusion
AI video apps are transforming digital media—but they’re also creating new avenues for fraud, bullying, and misinformation. The realism and accessibility of these tools make them powerful, but also dangerous when misused. As society grapples with these challenges, it’s essential to balance innovation with responsibility.
Governments, platforms, developers, and users all have a role to play in ensuring that AI video technology is used ethically and safely. Without proactive measures, the harms of deepfakes and synthetic media will continue to grow—undermining trust, safety, and truth itself.