Warren Buffett Targeted by AI Deepfakes

Berkshire Hathaway (BRKa.N) has issued a warning regarding AI-generated videos and voice impersonations of its longtime CEO Warren Buffett, circulating on platforms like YouTube. The videos falsely depict Buffett giving investment advice he never provided, raising concerns about misinformation and fraud.

The company emphasized that there is only one Warren Buffett—the Oracle of Omaha, and urged viewers to be cautious about believing content generated by AI tools.

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Examples and Risks of Fraudulent Videos

One video highlighted by Berkshire, titled “Warren Buffett: The #1 Investment Tip For Everyone Over 50 (MUST WATCH),” features AI-generated visuals of Buffett and a voice giving generic investment guidance. While the imagery may resemble Buffett, the audio does not match his voice and is clearly fabricated.

Berkshire warned that individuals unfamiliar with Buffett may mistakenly believe such content is authentic, potentially leading to financial decisions based on false information. The company described these videos as “a spreading virus” due to their viral nature and deceptive appearance.

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Rise of Deepfake Technology

The emergence of AI-powered deepfakes and voice synthesis tools has made it increasingly easy to produce realistic but fraudulent impersonations of public figures. This technology heightens the risks of:

• Misinformation campaigns targeting investors or the public
• Reputational damage for prominent individuals
• Fraudulent endorsements or financial scams

The FBI has previously reported cases where malicious actors used AI-generated voice calls and text messages to impersonate senior officials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive accounts.

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Buffett’s History with Impersonation and Political Claims

Warren Buffett, aged 95, has previously addressed fraudulent impersonations, including AI-based videos and false political endorsements. In October 2024, ahead of the U.S. presidential election, Buffett warned about misleading claims that he had endorsed candidates or investment products.

Buffett is set to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO at the end of 2025, to be succeeded by Vice Chairman Greg Abel, but the company remains vigilant about protecting his identity and reputation in the digital age.

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Key Takeaways

• AI-generated deepfakes of Warren Buffett are circulating online, falsely portraying him giving investment advice.
• Berkshire Hathaway warns that these videos and voice impersonations pose risks of misinformation and fraud.
• Deepfake technology and AI voice tools make it easier to create realistic impersonations of public figures.
• The FBI has noted instances of AI-generated fraud attempts targeting U.S. officials.
• Buffett will retire as CEO at the end of 2025, succeeded by Greg Abel.