Steve Harvey, known for “Family Feud” and his radio show, is now a vocal advocate against AI scams that misuse his image and voice.
While some AI memes are harmless, others use Harvey’s likeness to promote fraudulent schemes, like those promising fake government funds.
Harvey is pushing for legislation and penalties for those behind these scams and the platforms hosting them. Congress is considering bills like the No Fakes Act, which would hold creators and platforms liable for unauthorized AI content.
The No Fakes Act, supported by bipartisan senators, aims to penalize the misuse of AI-generated content. It joins other bills, like the Take It Down Act, which targets deepfake pornography and has received support from Melania Trump.
Harvey notes that scams using his likeness are at an “all-time high.” He emphasizes the damage to his authentic brand and the potential harm to his fans.
Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Joe Rogan, and Scarlett Johansson have also been victims of AI misuse. Johansson supports legislation, criticizing the U.S. government’s inaction compared to other countries.
Harvey aligns with major industry groups in backing the No Fakes Act, arguing that it protects against the abuse of his likeness.
Senators hope to gain platform support for the bill, which would fine them for hosting unauthorized AI content. Critics, however, worry it could infringe on First Amendment rights and lead to excessive regulation.
Companies like Vermillio AI are helping celebrities combat deepfakes by tracking and removing AI-generated content. Their technology uses “fingerprinting” to identify manipulated images and videos.
Harvey argues for swift action to prevent further harm from AI scams, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
