The Commission de protection des données personnelles (CDP) in Senegal has issued a warning about a surge in scams involving voice cloning and deepfakes. These scams, which use artificial intelligence to mimic a person's voice or image, have been reported in Senegal and other countries in the region. The CDP has described the techniques used by scammers to trick people into divulging money or confidential information.
According to the CDP, the voice and image of an individual are considered personal data protected by law. The law, specifically law n° 2008-12 of January 25, 2008, prohibits the recording, reproduction, or use of personal data without the individual's consent and a valid legal basis. The CDP emphasizes that using AI to clone voices or create deepfakes without consent is an illicit and unfair practice.
The CDP has recommended several precautions to limit the risks associated with these scams. Citizens are advised to verify the identity of the caller or sender by hanging up and calling the person back on their usual number. They should also be cautious of urgent requests for money, transfers, or confidential information and take time to verify their authenticity.
The CDP also advises citizens to protect their voice and image by limiting their public exposure and being cautious when interacting with strangers. In case of doubt, citizens should contact the relevant structures or administrations directly. The CDP has also called on companies and administrations to strengthen their control procedures and educate their teams about AI-generated or falsified content.
The warning from the CDP comes in the context of increasing digital fraud. In October, the National Police had already alerted citizens to the risks of fake applications and links targeting Mobile Money accounts. The CDP has urged citizens to be vigilant when receiving calls, voice messages, and videos, especially those containing urgent requests for money or personal information.
Citizens who believe their voice or image has been collected or used irregularly can file a complaint with the CDP by email at [email protected] or through the online complaint form. The CDP is also available at 33 859 70 30. The authority has emphasized the importance of discernment when interacting with suspicious calls, messages, or videos.
The CDP's warning highlights the need for increased awareness and caution in the face of evolving digital threats. By taking the recommended precautions and being mindful of the risks, citizens can protect themselves from falling victim to voice cloning and deepfake scams.
Key points
- The CDP warns of rising scams using voice cloning and deepfakes, urging citizens to verify the identity of callers and be cautious of urgent requests.
- The law protects the voice and image of individuals as personal data, prohibiting their use without consent.
- Citizens can file complaints with the CDP if they believe their voice or image has been used irregularly.
