Artificial intelligence: The CDP warns of voice cloning scams and deepfakes

Faced with a surge in scams using artificial intelligence, the Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CDP) is urging the public to be extra vigilant. In a press release, the institution specifically warns against voice cloning and deepfakes, techniques increasingly used to steal identities and extort money or confidential information.

New technologies offer numerous opportunities, but they also create fertile ground for new forms of fraud. In Senegal and the sub-region, cases of fraud based on artificial intelligence (AI), including voice cloning and deepfakes, have recently been reported.

In a statement, the CDP raises the alarm and invites citizens to be more vigilant against these fraudulent practices.

According to the institution, these techniques allow malicious individuals to imitate a person's voice or image in order to deceive their family, colleagues, or partners. The goal is often to extort money or obtain confidential information by impersonating a trusted individual.

The CDP (Commission for the Protection of Personal Data) reiterates that voice and image constitute personal data, in accordance with Law No. 2008-12 of 25 January 2008 on the protection of personal data. As such, their recording, reproduction, and use by means of artificial intelligence, without legal basis and without the knowledge of the individuals concerned, constitute unlawful and unfair processing.

Simple steps to avoid the pitfalls

Faced with these new threats, the CDP recommends several precautionary measures. In particular, it urges the public to systematically verify the identity of anyone they are speaking to in the event of a suspicious call or voicemail. If in doubt, it is advisable to hang up and call the person directly back on their usual number.

The institution also warns against urgent requests for money, transfers, or confidential information. It recommends taking the time to verify any unusual request, even if it appears to come from a close acquaintance.

The protection of personal content is also a major issue. The CDP recommends limiting the public exposure of voice recordings, videos, and other personal content online, while exercising caution in communications with strangers. If in doubt, citizens are encouraged to prioritize official contacts within organizations or government agencies.

Businesses and government agencies are also being called upon to act.

Beyond individuals, the CDP calls on businesses and administrations to strengthen their control procedures and to raise awareness among their teams about the risks associated with content generated or falsified by artificial intelligence.

Finally, anyone who believes that their voice or image has been collected or used unlawfully can contact the Commission for the Protection of Personal Data through its complaint and reporting platform, accessible on its official website.