TASS reports: The emergence of AI avatars and virtual influencers is the logical evolution of filters, AR masks, and generative graphics: we have moved from light retouching to entirely synthetic faces. Within just a few years, this technology has spawned a distinct market, followed by unprecedented risks of fraud, exploitation, political propaganda, and long-term psychological issues for society. In this article, together with the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) international experts, TASS will break down exactly how the digital clone market operates, what markers can still help spot them, and why they are becoming the primary weapon for cybercriminals and political spin doctors.
One of the first landmark cases of digital avatars achieving commercial success was the creation of the virtual blogger Lil Miquela in 2016. She was positioned as a Brazilian-American girl managed by an American creative agency. Despite her emphasized robotic appearance, for a long time, it was unknown whether she was a real person.
Background
The account perfectly mimicked standard influencer activity and only revealed its true origins in 2019. The virtual model has collaborated with real brands, and her accounts on social media boast millions of followers. This isn't the only example of the technology's successful application.
Key facts
- One of the first landmark cases of digital avatars achieving commercial success was the creation of the virtual blogger Lil Miquela in 2016.
- She was positioned as a Brazilian-American girl managed by an American creative agency.
- Despite her emphasized robotic appearance, for a long time, it was unknown whether she was a real person.
- The account perfectly mimicked standard influencer activity and only revealed its true origins in 2019.
- The virtual model has collaborated with real brands, and her accounts on social media boast millions of followers.
What this means
In Japan, a virtual human AI company created the model Imma in 2018, who also found success and has collaborated with famous brands. Beyond pure influencer personas, AI avatars are also being created for highly specific tasks. The avatars act as more than just virtual humans.
They are actively used to manage organizational accounts, in advertising, and in the blogging of real individuals. An experiment in China featured avatars hosting livestreams instead of real influencers, having pre-trained on their material. Today, a significant portion of promotional content and reviews is generated with such avatars’ help.
Originally reported by TASS. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
