Oscar winners Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey have announced partnerships with ElevenLabs, a New York-based artificial intelligence company specializing in realistic voice synthesis. The collaboration allows the firm to digitally recreate the actors’ voices using its AI technology, marking a new stage in the intersection of entertainment and artificial intelligence.

AI Collaboration with a Human Touch

In a written statement, Caine, 92, said ElevenLabs is “using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it.” He emphasized that the technology is designed to enhance creative possibilities, not displace human artistry. “It’s not about replacing voices; it’s about amplifying them, opening doors for new storytellers everywhere,” he said.

McConaughey also confirmed his involvement as both a collaborator and investor, saying he has worked with the company for several years. He described the partnership as an opportunity to extend his storytelling across languages, noting that the AI system will soon allow him to voice his newsletter in Spanish.

Financial details of the agreements were not disclosed.

Expanding AI in Media and Entertainment

Founded in 2022, ElevenLabs quickly gained prominence for its multilingual voice cloning and AI dubbing tools used in films, audiobooks, and video games. The company’s technology allows digital voices to retain the speaker’s tone and emotional nuances while being translated into multiple languages — a capability increasingly valuable to global content creators.

The firm’s rise coincides with a growing interest in AI-assisted media production, from automated script narration to realistic dubbing for streaming platforms. Advocates say these tools can expand creative access and lower production costs, though critics warn of potential misuse in political or commercial manipulation.

Controversy and Safeguards

Despite its innovation, ElevenLabs has faced scrutiny over the misuse of AI-generated voices. The company reported in early 2023 that it was seeing an “increasing number of voice cloning misuse cases,” prompting it to restrict certain features to paid users and strengthen identity verification measures.

Concerns escalated in early 2024 when a consultant used ElevenLabs’ software to imitate President Joe Biden’s voice in a robocall sent to voters in New Hampshire. The company condemned the incident and pledged to improve safeguards against unauthorized use of its tools.

ElevenLabs now says it employs additional verification layers to prevent cloning of celebrity or public figures’ voices without consent. “We are committed to ensuring this technology is used responsibly,” the firm stated in a recent press release.

Ethical AI and the Future of Voice Technology

Caine and McConaughey’s endorsements are seen by analysts as part of a broader effort to legitimize AI voice cloning within ethical and creative boundaries. Their involvement underscores a shifting narrative in Hollywood, where performers and studios increasingly explore AI as a complement to — rather than a replacement for — human performance.

Industry experts suggest such collaborations may pave the way for regulated, consent-based applications of voice cloning, including education, accessibility, and global media production.

As Caine put it, “If technology can help storytellers reach new audiences without losing authenticity, then that’s progress worth celebrating.”

Source: AP News – Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey partner with ElevenLabs for AI voice cloning

The post Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey Partner with ElevenLabs for AI Voice Projects appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Written July 28, 2025 – 16:45 EDT

The rise of realistic deepfakes — synthetic audio and video generated using artificial intelligence — is challenging the foundations of trust in government, business, and everyday digital communication. With tools more accessible than ever, bad actors are using deepfakes to impersonate public officials, deceive voters, and penetrate corporate networks, prompting experts to call for urgent countermeasures.

From the halls of Washington to the boardrooms of global finance, AI-generated deception is becoming a real-world threat. Combating it may require a multi-layered approach involving regulation, public awareness, and AI-powered detection tools.

Deepfakes impersonate officials, targeting national security

This summer, an alarming incident exposed just how realistic and dangerous deepfakes can be. Someone used AI to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio, contacting foreign officials through voicemails, texts, and the encrypted messaging app Signal.

In a separate case, Trump’s then–chief of staff, Susie Wiles, was also mimicked by AI. Earlier in the year, another deepfake video depicted Rubio threatening to cut off Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service — a claim later refuted by Ukraine’s government.

Cybersecurity experts warn that such impersonations are not just technical pranks. They pose real threats by creating confusion and potentially leaking sensitive diplomatic or military information.

“You’re either trying to extract sensitive secrets or competitive information or you’re going after access — to an email server or other sensitive network,” said Kinny Chan, CEO of cybersecurity firm QiD.

These attacks are part of a growing pattern where synthetic media is used by foreign adversaries — including Russia, China, and North Korea — to undermine trust in democratic institutions and disrupt international cooperation.

AI-generated disinformation enters U.S. elections

AI deepfakes are also beginning to influence domestic politics. In one notable case last year, Democratic voters in New Hampshire received robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice, urging them not to vote in the state’s primary. The audio was generated using AI voice cloning.

Political consultant Steven Kramer later admitted to creating and distributing the calls to highlight the dangers of deepfake technology. Although he was acquitted of criminal charges, the incident served as a stark warning of how easily voters can be misled by synthetic media.

“I did what I did for $500,” Kramer said in court. “Can you imagine what would happen if the Chinese government decided to do this?”

The case underlines a critical point: deepfakes don’t just pose a technological challenge — they represent a broader threat to civic trust and democratic systems.

Financial industry under attack from deepfake scams

While governments face deepfake impersonations at the diplomatic level, businesses — particularly in the financial sector — are being targeted for fraud and cyber intrusion.

“The financial industry is right in the crosshairs,” said Jennifer Ewbank, a former CIA deputy director focused on digital threats. “Even individuals who know each other have been convinced to transfer vast sums of money.”

In one common scheme, criminals use deepfakes to impersonate company executives. Employees may receive fake video calls or emails from what appears to be their CEO, requesting sensitive financial information or password access. Some schemes have successfully convinced employees to transfer large sums of money or grant backdoor access to corporate networks.

The threat doesn’t stop there. Deepfakes are now being used to apply for — and even hold — remote jobs under fake identities. In these cases, attackers may gain access to internal systems and later install ransomware or steal proprietary data.

North Korea reportedly behind deepfake job schemes

U.S. authorities have raised concerns about North Korea’s growing use of deepfakes in cyber operations. According to intelligence reports, thousands of North Korean IT workers have been dispatched abroad using stolen identities to apply for jobs at foreign tech companies.

These operatives reportedly use deepfakes to pass job interviews and conceal their true identities, gaining access to sensitive data and critical networks. In many cases, they also generate income for the North Korean regime — and in some instances, they install ransomware to be activated later.

The schemes have reportedly generated billions of dollars for Pyongyang, fueling its weapons development and defying international sanctions.

Cybersecurity company Adaptive Security estimates that by 2027, 1 in 4 job applications may involve some form of synthetic identity or deepfake manipulation.

“We’ve entered an era where anyone with a laptop and access to an open-source model can convincingly impersonate a real person,” said Adaptive CEO Brian Long. “It’s no longer about hacking systems — it’s about hacking trust.”

Fighting deepfakes with smarter technology and policy

Recognizing the growing danger, public and private sectors are developing countermeasures. These include:

• AI-powered detection tools that analyze speech and video patterns to spot deepfakes
• Regulatory proposals requiring tech platforms to detect and label synthetic content
• Public education campaigns focused on media literacy and online deception

One such detection system, developed by Pindrop Security, analyzes millions of datapoints from a person’s voice during real-time conversations to detect irregularities that suggest voice cloning. These tools are already being used in hiring processes and financial transactions.

“You can take the defeatist view and say we’re going to be subservient to disinformation,” said Vijay Balasubramaniyan, CEO of Pindrop. “But that’s not going to happen.”

Experts compare this fight to earlier battles against email spam — once thought unmanageable, now largely mitigated through filters and authentication protocols.

Future of trust in the age of synthetic media

The growing sophistication and accessibility of AI tools make deepfakes a lasting concern for governments, corporations, and the public alike. While technological tools offer hope, they must be paired with updated laws and global cooperation to address the cross-border nature of these threats.

The digital age has introduced a new currency — trust — and deepfakes are eroding its value. How societies respond in the next few years may determine whether fact or fiction governs the global narrative.

Source: AP News – Creating realistic deepfakes is getting easier than ever. Fighting back may take even more AI

The post How AI Deepfakes Threaten Global Security and Business Integrity appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

In an age where artificial intelligence can clone your face and voice in seconds, Denmark is taking a bold stand: give every citizen the legal right to control their own likeness.

Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt has proposed a new law that would treat a person’s face and voice as their property—meaning if someone’s features are used in an AI-generated deepfake, they can demand it be taken down.

“Technology has outpaced legislation,” Engel-Schmidt told CNN. “We shouldn’t accept a world where people are run through a digital copy machine and misused for all sorts of purposes.”

A Personal Copyright Over Your Identity

Under the proposed law, individuals—whether celebrities, artists, or private citizens—would have the right to request takedowns of AI-generated content that imitates their appearance or voice without consent.

That could have a big impact in an era where viral deepfakes are becoming more common, especially in the entertainment industry. Engel-Schmidt pointed to artists who’ve found AI-generated music online that mimics their voice, fooling fans into thinking it’s authentic.

One high-profile example: Celine Dion warned her followers earlier this year about deepfake content circulating online that appeared to be her singing—but wasn’t.

Artists Are Already Speaking Out

The music world is increasingly alarmed by generative AI. In April 2024, over 200 artists—including Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, the Jonas Brothers, Kacey Musgraves, J Balvin, and Miranda Lambert—signed an open letter demanding protections against AI impersonation in the music industry.

Denmark’s plan could be one of the first national laws to answer that call.

Engel-Schmidt says the bill has already earned cross-party support in parliament and is expected to pass this fall. But that’s just step one.

“Once it’s law, we’ll look at adding real consequences—like fines—for companies that don’t comply with takedown requests,” he said.

Balancing Free Speech and Human Dignity

The minister is careful to note that this isn’t about censorship.

“We’re champions of free speech,” he said. “But people should have the right to say yes or no to being used by generative AI.”

So far, Engel-Schmidt hasn’t formally approached major tech platforms about the proposal—but he says those conversations are coming.

“It’s in their interest, too, to make AI work for humanity—not against artists, public figures, and everyday people.”

A Global Push for Deepfake Accountability

Experts say Denmark’s approach is part of a growing global movement to regulate generative AI and protect against its misuse.

“Deepfakes pose both individual and societal risks,” said Athina Karatzogianni, a professor of technology and society at the University of Leicester. “They threaten personal rights and also damage the democratic values of equality and transparency.”

With generative AI rapidly evolving, Denmark’s proposal may become a model for other countries trying to navigate the same ethical minefield.

Source: CNN – Denmark plans to thwart deepfakers by giving everyone copyright over their own features

The post Denmark Moves to Give Citizens Legal Control Over Their Face and Voice appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have made it possible for speech synthesis tools to generate eerily realistic voices. These tools can mimic accents, whisper, and even clone the voices of real people. But with these developments, it raises the question: how can we tell the difference between a human voice and an AI-generated one?

Today, it’s easier than ever to have a conversation with AI. From chatbots that answer questions to AI systems that speak multiple languages and use different accents, technology is making it possible for machines to communicate like never before. In fact, some AI-powered tools can now clone the voices of real people. For instance, one AI tool was recently used to replicate the voice of late British broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson for a podcast series. Another example is natural history broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, who was disturbed to hear his voice cloned by AI to say things he never said.

While some of these voice-cloning tools are used for harmless entertainment, others are being exploited in scams to deceive people. For example, criminals use AI-generated voices to trick people into transferring money or revealing personal information.

However, not all AI-generated voices are used maliciously. They are also integrated into chatbots powered by large language models, making conversations with machines sound more natural and convincing. Take ChatGPT’s voice function, for example. It can respond with variations in tone and emphasis, much like a human would to convey empathy or emotion. It can also interpret non-verbal cues like sighs or sobs, speak in over 50 languages, and even make phone calls to assist with tasks. In one demonstration, ChatGPT even ordered strawberries from a vendor over the phone.

These AI advancements lead to a compelling question: is there anything truly unique about the human voice that helps us distinguish it from machine-generated speech?

The Challenge of Telling AI from Human Voices

Jonathan Harrington, a phonetics expert at the University of Munich, Germany, has spent years studying how humans speak, produce sounds, and create accents. He is impressed by how realistic AI-generated voices have become in recent years. However, he believes there are still subtle cues that can help us tell the difference.

To explore this, we set up a challenge. We asked Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at New York University Stern School of Business, to create audio clips where he reads a passage from Alice in Wonderland—once with his own voice and once with an AI-generated voice from ElevenLabs, a speech-cloning software company. After playing the clips for people, around half of them struggled to tell which voice was human and which was AI.

One of the cybersecurity experts we spoke to, Steve Grobman from McAfee, was also unable to easily distinguish the two voices. He mentioned that AI voices may lack certain nuances, such as the natural cadence or breathing patterns we associate with human speech. For instance, humans often breathe irregularly, while AI-generated voices may sound too perfect.

In fact, many experts acknowledge that detecting deepfakes—AI-generated speech or video that imitates real people—can be difficult for the human ear. For example, a deepfake of Bill Gates once fooled listeners, making it sound as though he was endorsing a quantum AI stock trading tool. Despite sounding like him, it was flagged as a fake by deepfake detection software.

How Can We Tell AI from Human Voices?

While AI-generated voices have become impressively realistic, there are still some clues that can help us tell them apart from human speech.

One key feature to listen for is intonation, or the rise and fall in pitch during a sentence. Humans typically adjust their pitch to reflect the meaning or emotion behind their words. For example, the phrase “Marianne made the marmalade” may sound different depending on whether it’s a statement or a question. AI voices can struggle with this level of nuance.

Another clue lies in prosody, the rhythm and pattern of speech. Humans naturally emphasize certain words for meaning, and AI voices often fail to replicate this consistently. For example, if asked, “Did Marianna make the marmalade?”, a human would likely emphasize the word made, while an AI might emphasize a different word.

Additionally, breathing patterns can be a giveaway. Humans naturally breathe irregularly, and their breath intakes may vary in length. AI-generated voices, however, might sound too perfect or regular, giving away their artificial nature.

The Growing Threat of Voice Cloning

As AI voice technology improves, concerns about voice cloning are rising. Experts worry that cloned voices could be used in scams, identity theft, or to manipulate individuals. One cybersecurity example highlighted by Assaf Rappaport, CEO of cybersecurity firm Wiz, involved criminals creating a voice clone of him using a recent talk he gave. They attempted to use the cloned voice to deceive his employees into revealing credentials, though the attempt was unsuccessful.

Cybersecurity expert Pete Nicoletti from Check Point Software recommends being cautious if you suspect someone is using a voice clone. He advises asking personal questions or suggesting you’ll call back to verify their identity. In a work setting, you should avoid making wire transfers based solely on a phone call from someone claiming to be a high-level executive.

The Future of AI Voices

AI voice technology is improving rapidly, and experts like Dane Sherrets, innovation architect at HackerOne, believe it will only get more convincing. AI can now mimic human-like inflection, breathing, and even hesitation, but it’s still not perfect. While AI can replicate much of human speech, it struggles to capture the full range of human emotions and the complexities of context.

As AI continues to advance, experts are working to develop better detection tools. McAfee, for example, is partnering with major PC manufacturers to install deepfake detection software on devices, and ElevenLabs offers a free tool to detect AI-generated voices. However, as AI technology and detection tools evolve, we may find ourselves in a race where distinguishing AI from humans becomes increasingly difficult.

Conclusion: The Importance of Face-to-Face Interaction

Given the growing capabilities of AI-generated voices, it’s becoming harder to tell whether you’re speaking to a human or a machine. Experts recommend being cautious and using alternative methods to verify someone’s identity, such as asking personal questions or using voice validation methods. In some cases, the best solution might be to spend more time interacting in person.

In the battle between AI-generated voices and detection technology, we may find that the key to distinguishing a real person from a machine lies not in the voice itself, but in the authenticity of human interaction.

Were you able to tell which voice was AI and which was human in our “Alice in Wonderland” challenge? The first clip was AI, and the second was human.

Source

The post AI-Generated Voices: How to Tell Them Apart from Real Human Speech appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.