Brands using AI-generated influencers on social media
Brands using AI-generated influencers on social media
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2026/06/22/2003859535
Publish Date: 2026-06-21 12:00:00
Source Domain: www.taipeitimes.com
Here is a summary of the article using an unordered list:
- Transparency Concerns: There are growing calls for greater transparency about the use of AI-generated influencers in online promotions as brands employ these virtual figures to mimic genuine customer experiences.
- Lack of Specific Rules: There are currently no specific regulations requiring the disclosure of AI-generated content in advertising to consumers. However, the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, due to start in August, will mandate clear labelling of AI-generated or manipulated content.
- Brands Using AI-generated Influencers: Certain brands, such as Once and Ashle, have been found to use AI-generated content that appears to show real human experiences, with some creators even signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent discussion of their involvement.
- Misleading Consumer Experiences: A recent investigation by a consumer group revealed that up to 70 percent of people cannot accurately identify deepfake content, raising concerns about consumers being misled and becoming targets of scams.
- Role of AI in Advertising: The British Advertising Standards Authority does not have explicit rules against using AI-generated content in advertisements, focusing instead on whether the content is misleading rather than the use of AI itself.
- Economic Motivation for AI Use: Brands are increasingly attracted to AI-generated content due to its lower costs compared to traditional photoshoots and the avoidance of influencer-related issues like bad publicity and high hourly rates.
- Aspirational Digital Humans: Some creators, like Clarissa Mansbridge, work to produce hyper-realistic AI influencers for brands, who use these digital figures to generate user-generated content that seems authentic to consumers.
- Ethical Considerations: There is ongoing debate about the ethical implications of using AI-generated content to simulate real customer experiences, with some artists and influencers, such as Zac Rossiter, opposing the practice.
