This AI-generated ad was so realistic, people tried to visit a place that doesn’t exist
A Malaysian couple was misled by an AI-generated travel video, only to discover their dream destination in Perak didn’t exist.
From deepfakes to AI-generated images, keeping track of reality is becoming increasingly complex. This week, reports began circulating that an individual had contacted foreign governments and members of Congress posing as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, using AI to mimic his voice. The case has sparked major concerns over how communications at the highest levels can be protected, if the technology can be used in such a manner without immediate detection.
In Malaysia, the situation has reached a new level, with entire locations virtually recreated through AI, prompting tourists to try visiting places that don’t exist.
The South China Morning Post recently reported on the surreal case of a Malaysian couple who, after seeing an AI-generated video of what appeared to be a stunning vacation destination, were left completely perplexed. What they didn’t realize was that their trip would be in vain: the destination shown in the video—created by the state of Perak—didn’t exist.
Read more from AS USA:
A video so real it spurred a spontaneous vacation
The couple was drawn to Perak after seeing a video of a cable car gliding across the city. But when they asked the hotel reception about it, the staff was confused—no such cable car exists. Instead, they had been misled by a video released by TV Rakyat, a television channel, which used AI to create the footage. The video, which has since been taken down following the confusion, featured a host riding what was called the Kuak Skyride, supposedly “located in the town of Kuak Hulu in Perak,” according to the South China Morning Post. However, the video has been shared by other accounts, for those interested in seeing whether or not they would have been tricked by the AI creation.
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