Latest news with #Deepfakes
The Herald
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald
Beware of fake videos of Ramaphosa, Motsepe in investment scams: FSCA
Deepfakes are videos where faces and voices of people, often public figures, are digitally altered using artificial intelligence (AI) to appear authentic, misleading viewers. 'The people behind the platforms failed to respond to FSCA queries. To avoid unnecessary risk, the public should refrain from accepting financial advice, assistance or investment offers from people or entities not authorised by the FSCA,' the regulator said. 'Authorised financial services providers [FSPs] must clearly display their authorisation status in their documentation. If this is not present, it is advised to further investigate before making any payments. 'The public is urged to exercise caution when considering investment or trading offers on social media platforms or any unsolicited offers. It is recommended that the public verify that an entity or individual is authorised by the FSCA to provide financial products and services, including for giving recommendations about how to invest.' The FSCA advised investors to also verify the specific category of financial advice an FSP is registered to provide. 'The FSP number used by the entity or individual offering financial services must match the name of the FSP on the FSCA database,' it said. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) said fraudsters are increasingly using AI to run sophisticated scams. 'AI can emulate voices, create fake IDs and manipulate biometric tools, posing significant risks. The rise of 'fraud-as-a-service' platforms allow criminals to access tools, techniques and resources for conducting fraud,' it said. Sabric also identified another scam known as 'pig butchering', a term used to describe a type of cyberscam that targets people using online messages. 'In this scam, fraudsters pretend to befriend or romance their victims, gradually gaining their trust. They then persuade victims to send money to various accounts, promising high returns.' TimesLIVE
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Hingham family files Title IX complaint after student creates deepfake image of their daughter
Megan Mancini filed a Title IX complaint in Hingham Public Schools after she says her daughter was a victim of sexual harassment. Mancini says another student created a Deepfake pornographic image of her daughter using artificial intelligence. 'She was devastated, I mean she definitely felt violated, she wanted something to be done about it, and at that point we had notified the school, the police,' said Mancini. After Mancini filed a complaint about the incident in January, Hingham schools launched an investigation. After about four and a half months, the district sent a letter to Mancini, saying that while the student's conduct was 'inappropriate and hurtful, there is insufficient evidence to conclude it occurred in the District's schools.' 'The image was shared in the school hallways, amongst other students during school hours, and it was also shared via text,' said Mancini. Mancini was disappointed to learn the student responsible for creating that nude photo of her daughter would not be disciplined at Hingham Middle School. 'It makes me feel like the school failed,' said Mancini. Legal expert Peter Elikann says families could press charges for this under the state's new Revenge Porn and Sexting law. 'The word needs to go out among young people that you can be criminally prosecuted in juvenile court for sending nude images of someone else without their consent,' said Elikann. He says that includes Deepfakes or AI-generated photos. 'The fact that people can create all kinds of fake pornography online, and young people seem to know how to do it, it's really hit a huge crisis point,' said Elikann. 'I think it's important to have swift action, and I think we missed that critical window,' said Mancini. Mancini hopes school leaders can start to take more action on these cases to prevent them from happening again, even if districts claim not to have jurisdiction. 'There was not one communication sent out from the school department or the school administration about this issue, and for you know, a heads up, awareness to parents that this is going on, this is going on in middle school, and it's going to get nothing but worse,' said Mancini. This conduct is becoming such a problem that the state has a youth diversion program to teach minors about the dangers of sharing nude photos, if they're prosecuted in cases like this. Boston 25 News reached out to Hingham Public Schools multiple times on this issue, but they haven't responded. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lady Gaga stuns fans at Maxwell with surprise lunch stop; Deepfake scandal rocks actress Eleanor Lee – but who's next?: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. Lady Gaga didn't just come to Singapore to perform – she came to connect. On her day off between concerts, the superstar made an unannounced visit to Maxwell Food Centre, sparking a mini fan frenzy. Dressed in black and seated at table 171, Gaga mingled with fans, signed autographs, and even paused to give a young fan a cherished moment. One lucky Little Monster walked away with a signed 'Mayhem' vinyl and memories to last a lifetime. Her spontaneous stop, shared widely on social media, shows her down-to-earth charm in contrast to her megastar status. Gaga's visit echoes other celeb stops at Maxwell, proving once again that local food courts are the new red carpet. Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee didn't say it – but millions believed she did. A fake audio clip nearly shattered her career. Shared by a former assistant, the doctored recording seemed to capture the actress insulting Chinese nationals – until the assistant confessed to editing it out of spite. The case quickly escalated online, with Lee forced to deny the claims, reaffirm her support for China, and file a police report. Her public apology and emotional video brought clarity – but not before reputational damage had already spread. This scandal isn't just a personal drama – it's a wake-up call. Deepfakes are no longer niche or experimental. They're tools of digital warfare, capable of rewriting reality in seconds. Lee's case proves just how vulnerable public figures – and truth itself – can be in today's digital age. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Pop royalty met street food chic when Lady Gaga surprised fans at Singapore's Maxwell Food Centre, turning a casual Tuesday lunch (20 May) into a scene straight out of a music video. Clad in all-black and platform boots, Gaga was spotted dining with her team at table 171 – right beside the popular nasi lemak stall The Green Leaf. Fans who happened to be nearby couldn't believe their luck. One emotional diner exclaimed, 'I just wanna hug her,' while another watched wide-eyed as Gaga greeted a boy and woman with her signature grace. TikTok clips and XiaoHongShu posts flooded social media as crowds formed, trying to catch a glimpse of the pop icon. On her table: a curious combo of Evian, beer, and a Milo dinosaur – because even global superstars love local flavour. Her low-key charm and high-impact presence echoed similar visits by other artists like Dua Lipa, who also stopped at Maxwell last December. The pop sensation wasn't just posing – she was present. As she exited, fans called out to her, and in one viral moment, she signed a fan's 'Mayhem' vinyl, making their day and sparking envy across social media. That fan? Seen jumping for joy, clutching the signed album like a trophy. With two more shows left in Singapore, Little Monsters everywhere are on high alert. Maxwell may have fed her, but it's Gaga who fed the fandom – one vinyl at a time. A 31-second audio clip put Eleanor Lee's career in hot water. But the Singaporean actress never said those words. A former assistant confessed to editing and spreading the fake recording – crafted to sound like Lee had insulted Chinese nationals. The confession, issued on Weibo, detailed how frustration and personal grievances led to the clip's release. The assistant used real recordings, manipulated them, and unleashed the doctored version online – sparking outrage across Chinese social media platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex) Lee responded swiftly. She denied the claims, affirmed her support for China, filed a police report, and posted an emotional apology video online. The video, where she thanked authorities and bowed deeply, aimed to restore public trust and stop the spread of misinformation. Lee is the the daughter of Singaporean TV veteran Quan Yifeng and actor Peter Yu. She has built a significant career in China, appearing in dramas and blockbuster commercials. But the controversy may have already negatively impacting her as she was reportedly removed from the promotional materials of the highly anticipated drama "The Journey of Legend". But beyond the personal drama lies a larger issue: deepfakes. Lee's case is a stark reminder of how easy it has become to fabricate 'proof' with basic audio editing tools – and how fast lies can go viral. For public figures, the weaponisation of fake content is now a real occupational hazard. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board has intensified its war on scams with two new security upgrades: a single, verifiable phone number for all outbound calls and biometric login requirements for online CPF nominations. As scams involving impersonation of government officials rise, the CPF Board's move to consolidate all calls under 6227-1188 is designed to help members quickly confirm legitimacy. Missed calls now come with verified SMS or emails for added trust. Meanwhile, the biometric safeguard for nominations adds another layer of identity protection. Members are reminded that legitimate CPF staff will never ask for money transfers or personal login credentials. The agency encourages suspicious users to freeze accounts, activate the CPF Withdrawal Lock, and notify police. More details and anti-scam tips are available on the CPF website. Singapore is expanding its pigeon control programme after a trial across three town councils cut pigeon populations in half. Public complaints dropped significantly too, prompting agencies to take the programme into more areas, including Jalan Besar and Yishun. The strategy blends humane removal with education, enforcement and food waste reform. Over 50 fines were issued for bird feeding, and officials say understanding public behaviour is crucial. Seniors and habitual feeders are being offered alternatives like gardening and birdwatching. The move highlights concerns around public health, as pigeons are known carriers of bacteria and disease. Authorities stress that cooperation with hawker centers and waste managers is key to long-term success. If results stay strong, the programme could soon span the entire island. The National University of Singapore (NUS) has issued a public apology after discarding hundreds of Yale-NUS College library books without offering them to students. The sight of tightly packed plastic bags full of books being hauled off for recycling on Tuesday (20 May) sparked widespread backlash, especially among alumni. Critics labelled the move wasteful and tone-deaf, calling it a betrayal of educational values. NUS admitted that only faculty were offered the books, acknowledging this as an 'operational lapse.' The backlash led to a petition with hundreds of signatures and calls for procedural reform. In response, NUS is reviewing its book disposal process and organising a giveaway to rehome remaining materials. Despite this, many say the damage is symbolic – a sign of disregard for knowledge, sustainability, and community engagement. Read on NUS saying sorry for its "operational lapse" here. A Singaporean tourist, 55, faces serious charges in Japan after allegedly committing indecent acts on a teenage boy at a Niigata onsen on 14 May. The suspect reportedly touched the minor inappropriately multiple times, prompting a swift police response. Arrested at Niigata train station on 16 May, the man denies wrongdoing, insisting he only touched the boy's shoulder. A relative's complaint triggered the arrest, and police are now probing the incident, which has shocked locals. Japan's hot springs have faced similar scandals, including a 2024 case where a former Singaporean diplomat was fined for filming in a bathhouse. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in onsen safety protocols. A 2023 voyeurism ring bust revealed lapses, with 17 men arrested for secretly filming thousands at onsens. Calls for enhanced security, like cameras in public areas, are growing louder. Read on the Singaporean's onsen scandal in Japan here. Singapore has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the forced displacement of civilians as an unacceptable path to peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stressed the urgent need to resume humanitarian aid and demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas. In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday (20 May), the MFA reiterated Singapore's position that unilateral actions, such as aid blockades and mass evacuations, will only worsen the humanitarian crisis. It emphasised that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians and infrastructure like hospitals. Singapore also renewed its longstanding support for a two-state solution, aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions, calling it the only viable framework for a lasting peace. The latest escalation follows Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and saw over 250 hostages taken. Israel's military response has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza, the majority civilians, according to local health authorities. A six-week ceasefire earlier in 2025 briefly halted the conflict, but resumed hostilities and a March aid blockade have pushed half a million Gazans to the brink of starvation, according to a global hunger monitor. Read on Singapore calling for gaza ceasefire and full aid access here. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, one of Singapore's longest-serving leaders, is stepping down after more than 30 years in public service – leaving with a heartfelt reminder: unity is Singapore's greatest strength. In his final interview as a cabinet minister, he warned against the creeping influence of identity politics following the recent general election (GE2025). SM Teo cautioned that political appeals based on race or religion could fracture Singapore's diverse fabric. He cited examples from GE2025 where parties proposed public holidays based on ethnicity, which risked triggering competitive populism. 'It's very easy to create divisions,' he said, 'but rebuilding unity is much harder.' Throughout his career – spanning defence, education, security, and diplomacy – Teo focused on people first. From ensuring officers had practical footwear to revamping the education system and establishing ITE colleges, his policies reflected a ground-up approach. 'The thing I remember most is the people,' he said. His legacy includes defusing national crises, strengthening public trust, and helping forge sensitive international negotiations The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement has been officially adopted, with Singapore strongly backing the move amid a shifting global health landscape. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation in tackling future pandemics. The agreement, reached after three years of intense negotiations, aims to enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen international health security. Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to WHO efforts, stressing that viruses know no borders, making joint action essential. While China reinforced its financial support for the WHO, pledging up to US$500 million, the United States withdrew from the agreement, citing concerns over the WHO's COVID-19 response and governance transparency. Despite the US absence, the agreement passed without opposition, marking a significant step toward coordinated health security strategies worldwide. Singapore's early $24 million pledge underscores its dedication to strengthening pandemic preparedness. With the agreement in place, PM Wong urged nations to find common ground, ensuring that health crises are tackled collaboratively, not in isolation. Read on Singapore's commitment to WHO's Pandemic Agreement here. Pop royalty met street food chic when Lady Gaga surprised fans at Singapore's Maxwell Food Centre, turning a casual Tuesday lunch (20 May) into a scene straight out of a music video. Clad in all-black and platform boots, Gaga was spotted dining with her team at table 171 – right beside the popular nasi lemak stall The Green Leaf. Fans who happened to be nearby couldn't believe their luck. One emotional diner exclaimed, 'I just wanna hug her,' while another watched wide-eyed as Gaga greeted a boy and woman with her signature grace. TikTok clips and XiaoHongShu posts flooded social media as crowds formed, trying to catch a glimpse of the pop icon. On her table: a curious combo of Evian, beer, and a Milo dinosaur – because even global superstars love local flavour. Her low-key charm and high-impact presence echoed similar visits by other artists like Dua Lipa, who also stopped at Maxwell last December. The pop sensation wasn't just posing – she was present. As she exited, fans called out to her, and in one viral moment, she signed a fan's 'Mayhem' vinyl, making their day and sparking envy across social media. That fan? Seen jumping for joy, clutching the signed album like a trophy. With two more shows left in Singapore, Little Monsters everywhere are on high alert. Maxwell may have fed her, but it's Gaga who fed the fandom – one vinyl at a time. A 31-second audio clip put Eleanor Lee's career in hot water. But the Singaporean actress never said those words. A former assistant confessed to editing and spreading the fake recording – crafted to sound like Lee had insulted Chinese nationals. The confession, issued on Weibo, detailed how frustration and personal grievances led to the clip's release. The assistant used real recordings, manipulated them, and unleashed the doctored version online – sparking outrage across Chinese social media platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eleanor Lee 李凱馨 (@eleanorleex) Lee responded swiftly. She denied the claims, affirmed her support for China, filed a police report, and posted an emotional apology video online. The video, where she thanked authorities and bowed deeply, aimed to restore public trust and stop the spread of misinformation. Lee is the the daughter of Singaporean TV veteran Quan Yifeng and actor Peter Yu. She has built a significant career in China, appearing in dramas and blockbuster commercials. But the controversy may have already negatively impacting her as she was reportedly removed from the promotional materials of the highly anticipated drama "The Journey of Legend". But beyond the personal drama lies a larger issue: deepfakes. Lee's case is a stark reminder of how easy it has become to fabricate 'proof' with basic audio editing tools – and how fast lies can go viral. For public figures, the weaponisation of fake content is now a real occupational hazard. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board has intensified its war on scams with two new security upgrades: a single, verifiable phone number for all outbound calls and biometric login requirements for online CPF nominations. As scams involving impersonation of government officials rise, the CPF Board's move to consolidate all calls under 6227-1188 is designed to help members quickly confirm legitimacy. Missed calls now come with verified SMS or emails for added trust. Meanwhile, the biometric safeguard for nominations adds another layer of identity protection. Members are reminded that legitimate CPF staff will never ask for money transfers or personal login credentials. The agency encourages suspicious users to freeze accounts, activate the CPF Withdrawal Lock, and notify police. More details and anti-scam tips are available on the CPF website. Singapore is expanding its pigeon control programme after a trial across three town councils cut pigeon populations in half. Public complaints dropped significantly too, prompting agencies to take the programme into more areas, including Jalan Besar and Yishun. The strategy blends humane removal with education, enforcement and food waste reform. Over 50 fines were issued for bird feeding, and officials say understanding public behaviour is crucial. Seniors and habitual feeders are being offered alternatives like gardening and birdwatching. The move highlights concerns around public health, as pigeons are known carriers of bacteria and disease. Authorities stress that cooperation with hawker centers and waste managers is key to long-term success. If results stay strong, the programme could soon span the entire island. The National University of Singapore (NUS) has issued a public apology after discarding hundreds of Yale-NUS College library books without offering them to students. The sight of tightly packed plastic bags full of books being hauled off for recycling on Tuesday (20 May) sparked widespread backlash, especially among alumni. Critics labelled the move wasteful and tone-deaf, calling it a betrayal of educational values. NUS admitted that only faculty were offered the books, acknowledging this as an 'operational lapse.' The backlash led to a petition with hundreds of signatures and calls for procedural reform. In response, NUS is reviewing its book disposal process and organising a giveaway to rehome remaining materials. Despite this, many say the damage is symbolic – a sign of disregard for knowledge, sustainability, and community engagement. Read on NUS saying sorry for its "operational lapse" here. A Singaporean tourist, 55, faces serious charges in Japan after allegedly committing indecent acts on a teenage boy at a Niigata onsen on 14 May. The suspect reportedly touched the minor inappropriately multiple times, prompting a swift police response. Arrested at Niigata train station on 16 May, the man denies wrongdoing, insisting he only touched the boy's shoulder. A relative's complaint triggered the arrest, and police are now probing the incident, which has shocked locals. Japan's hot springs have faced similar scandals, including a 2024 case where a former Singaporean diplomat was fined for filming in a bathhouse. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in onsen safety protocols. A 2023 voyeurism ring bust revealed lapses, with 17 men arrested for secretly filming thousands at onsens. Calls for enhanced security, like cameras in public areas, are growing louder. Read on the Singaporean's onsen scandal in Japan here. Singapore has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the forced displacement of civilians as an unacceptable path to peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stressed the urgent need to resume humanitarian aid and demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas. In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday (20 May), the MFA reiterated Singapore's position that unilateral actions, such as aid blockades and mass evacuations, will only worsen the humanitarian crisis. It emphasised that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians and infrastructure like hospitals. Singapore also renewed its longstanding support for a two-state solution, aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions, calling it the only viable framework for a lasting peace. The latest escalation follows Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and saw over 250 hostages taken. Israel's military response has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza, the majority civilians, according to local health authorities. A six-week ceasefire earlier in 2025 briefly halted the conflict, but resumed hostilities and a March aid blockade have pushed half a million Gazans to the brink of starvation, according to a global hunger monitor. Read on Singapore calling for gaza ceasefire and full aid access here. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, one of Singapore's longest-serving leaders, is stepping down after more than 30 years in public service – leaving with a heartfelt reminder: unity is Singapore's greatest strength. In his final interview as a cabinet minister, he warned against the creeping influence of identity politics following the recent general election (GE2025). SM Teo cautioned that political appeals based on race or religion could fracture Singapore's diverse fabric. He cited examples from GE2025 where parties proposed public holidays based on ethnicity, which risked triggering competitive populism. 'It's very easy to create divisions,' he said, 'but rebuilding unity is much harder.' Throughout his career – spanning defence, education, security, and diplomacy – Teo focused on people first. From ensuring officers had practical footwear to revamping the education system and establishing ITE colleges, his policies reflected a ground-up approach. 'The thing I remember most is the people,' he said. His legacy includes defusing national crises, strengthening public trust, and helping forge sensitive international negotiations The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement has been officially adopted, with Singapore strongly backing the move amid a shifting global health landscape. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation in tackling future pandemics. The agreement, reached after three years of intense negotiations, aims to enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen international health security. Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to WHO efforts, stressing that viruses know no borders, making joint action essential. While China reinforced its financial support for the WHO, pledging up to US$500 million, the United States withdrew from the agreement, citing concerns over the WHO's COVID-19 response and governance transparency. Despite the US absence, the agreement passed without opposition, marking a significant step toward coordinated health security strategies worldwide. Singapore's early $24 million pledge underscores its dedication to strengthening pandemic preparedness. With the agreement in place, PM Wong urged nations to find common ground, ensuring that health crises are tackled collaboratively, not in isolation. Read on Singapore's commitment to WHO's Pandemic Agreement here.
