At Euro 2024, England head coach Gareth Southgate’s statements are not only scrutinized but also fabricated using AI. Fake interviews with Southgate, created with AI voice generators, have gained millions of views on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These videos falsely depict Southgate making derogatory remarks about players, including Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish, and Marcus Rashford. The Football Association has labeled these clips as “offensive” and is working to have them removed.
Some fans in Germany find the videos humorous, viewing them as harmless fun typical of British humor. However, concerns about the impact and ethics of AI-generated content persist. The FA emphasized that Southgate and the team remain focused on their upcoming match against Slovakia in the last 16, despite criticism of their performance.
Experts warn of the dangers posed by deepfake technology, not only for public figures but for anyone with a digital presence. Regulatory measures and societal consensus are needed to address the fine line between satire and harmful content.
For more details, you can read the full article on the BBC Sport website. 