The saying, “A picture speaks a thousand words” is a common one. However, as technology has advanced, the saying has become less reliable. Nowadays, its easy to fake visual media, especially with deepfake technology. One of its unsavoury uses is to make pornographic videos.
Using deepfake technology to make porno videos is, unfortunately, more common than we’d like. It is a breach of privacy, yet many see it as an easy way to make money, as this Taiwanese YouTuber did. This morning (18th October), police arrested Xiao Yu (小玉) for making pornographic videos of internet celebrities using deepfake technology.
Xiao Yu (real name: Zhu Yuchen, 朱玉宸) retired from YouTube earlier this year in April. Many fans were saddened when he left, but others felt it was for the best. Although the YouTuber was popular with his funny videos, he had caused several controversies prior to him leaving. One was when he unpacked a weapon, which violated the Controlling Guns, Ammunition, and Knives Act. Xiao Yu also upset many when he tasted breast milk and openly showed his dislike for it. Many felt the video devalued women. The YouTuber has apologised for both instances, however, it doesn’t seem like an apology will save him this time.
Xiao Yu’s scheme was discovered after another YouTuber Kuiding (奎丁) aka Zamy came across porno videos of herself last year. As she had not filmed such videos, the YouTuber publicly claimed that the videos were fake. It was soon discovered that the videos originated from a Telegram group. The group “Taiwan Internet Celebrities” had videos and photos of many celebs and artists for sale, including stand up comedian Long Long (龙龙, Linqian Yu, 林千玉), and Youtuber “Idiot Princess (白痴公主)” Daiping Ya (戴平雅). Zamy reported the matter to the police who agreed to look into it. Taiwan police later discovered the person heading the group was none other than former YouTuber Xiao Yu.
He was arrested this morning along with three other employees. Police seized 4, 585, 000 yuan (about RM2 million), 2 computers, 2 hard disks, 2 mobile phones and a BENZ car among other things. Needless to say, his arrest came as a shock to many. Although Xiao Yu has used deepfake technology once for a YouTube video, no one suspected he would later use it for unscrupulous means.
According to the police, the group requires a membership fee of 400 yuan (about RM260). Members can either order or bid for the adult videos. For “customisation”, its service ranges from 300 to 3000 Taiwanese dollars (about RM44 to RM446). The group promotes its services on Twitter and has so far eluded the police. There are roughly 6000 members in the group with videos of at least 100 victims circulated.
Zamy, one of the few known victims, was disappointed by the news. She admitted she used to support the YouTuber before he retired. Discovering he had taken advantage of her came as a betrayal. “(You) really cannot (trust) people like Xiang Yu,” she wrote in her Instagram story.
Netizens are disgusted and furious with the former YouTuber. It isn’t hard to see why. His earlier actions of devaluing women by disliking breast milk pale in comparison to this.
No apology can recover the privacy of those who were violated in the videos. The videos may have been fakes, but they have long lasting effects. Hopefully, the police will bring justice to the former YouTuber soon.
Sources: Xuan, Yahoo, Up Media, ET Today, YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.