'Tim Cooked Us': Netizens react to fake AI-generated live stream of Apple CEO
Tim Cook
An AI-generated video of Apple CEO Tim Cook fraudulently streamed on the company's official YouTube channel on Monday, August 9. The video impersonated Cook and falsely promoted a cryptocurrency giveaway which gained millions of views ahead of the launch of iPhone 16.
The fake livestream promised the viewers to send them double the amount they would send to a "contribution address" by Dogecoin (DOGE), a popular cryptocurrency, luring many to the scam.
People on social media are speculating the possibility that Apple's official YouTube channel may have been hacked. Apple announced on Monday the much anticipated ‘It's Glowtime’ event at its headquarters in Cupertino to unveil the newest series of iPhone, along with upgrades in the Apple Watch and AirPods.
The scammers used social media tools including trending keywords related to Apple and a recent song by British pop singer Charli XCX to push their stream to the top of the search results and seem authentic.
Netizens took to X, sharing the fake AI-generated video which was livestreamed on YouTube. Apple has not given any official statement regarding the incident.
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“Apple’s official US YouTube channel has been hacked! A fake AI-generated video of Tim Cook is currently streaming, asking viewers for Bitcoin,” an X user wrote.
Another user shared a screenshot of the live stream with the caption, “Tim Cooked Us!”
This incident is not for the first time that scammers have taken advantage of the hype created for an Apple event. In 2022, a fake video streamed claiming to give crypto rewards which gained millions of viewers.
With the rise of AI technology, scammers are using voice-mimicking tools to deceive people by impersonating famous individuals. It is important to stay cautious and vigilant if you come across any stream or promotion involving cryptocurrency and verify its authenticity before falling into any scam.
(With inputs from agencies)
