The medication shortage is a growing global concern that affects both developing and developed countries, with reports of shortages in hospitals and pharmacies increasing between 2021 and 2024.

According to a report by the New York Times, the shortage of medications in the USA grew by 30% in 2022 compared to 2021, with an average shortage duration of 18 months, and in some cases, up to 15 years.

The shortage affects critical medications such as antibiotics, anesthetics, and cancer treatments, which are essential for patient care.

In Ireland, a shortage of paracetamol was reported, particularly for prescription products, with two suppliers indicating that resupply would be available in January 2023.

The Health Minister of Ireland, Stephen Donnelly, noted that medicine shortages have been increasingly prevalent worldwide over the past decade, caused by factors such as shortages of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties, and industry consolidations.

In England, hospitals face critically low levels of intravenous paracetamol, with staff being told to stop using the drug in anaesthetic rooms immediately due to a national shortage.

The shortage of IV paracetamol is expected to last until at least November, with the Department for Health and Social Care blaming 'capacity constraints with a manufacturer' as the cause.

A global study published in The Lancet found that the world is facing a shortage of 6.4 million doctors, with 43 million healthcare workers needed to achieve universal health coverage.

The study also found that the density of doctors varies greatly across regions, with some countries having as few as 2.9 doctors per 10,000 people, while others have as many as 84.4 doctors per 10,000 people.

In the United States, a record 323 drugs were reported to be in shortage in the first three months of 2024, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the University of Utah.

The shortages affect various categories of drugs, including chemotherapy medications, antibiotics, and hormonal treatments, with some hospitals being forced to delay or ration care due to the shortages.

A survey of hospital pharmacists found that 99% of respondents reported some drug supply shortages, with 1 in 3 health systems delaying, canceling, or rationing care due to the shortages.

The survey also found that cancer drug shortages are a significant concern, with over a dozen cancer drugs being in shortage, including cisplatin and carboplatin, which are used to treat various types of cancer.

The FDA has temporarily allowed overseas drug manufacturers to import some chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin, to address the shortage.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network reported that 93% of academic cancer centers faced shortages of carboplatin, and 70% faced shortages of cisplatin.

Hospital pharmacists are managing the shortages by offering therapeutic alternatives, buying different vial sizes or concentrations, and rationing medicines.

The shortages are having a significant impact on patient care, with 1 in 5 hospital pharmacists reporting shortages of steroids, hormonal drugs, and oral liquids such as lidocaine, ibuprofen, and amoxicillin.

The reasons behind the shortages are complex and multifaceted, including manufacturing difficulties, quality control issues, and supply chain disruptions.

The healthcare systems are coping with the shortages by implementing various strategies, such as rationing care, switching to alternative drugs, and importing medications from overseas.

However, these strategies are not always effective, and the shortages continue to pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide.

In conclusion, the medication shortage is a growing global concern that affects both developing and developed countries, with reports of shortages in hospitals and pharmacies increasing between 2021 and 2024.

The shortages affect critical medications, and the reasons behind them are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response from healthcare systems, governments, and industry stakeholders.

The medication shortage is a growing global concern that affects both developing and developed countries, with reports of shortages in hospitals and pharmacies increasing between 2021 and 2024.

Title:

Content: The New York Times Original
Continue reading Growing drug shortage in the United States has become a threat to national security
The shortage of medicines in the United States last year increased compared to 2021 by 30%, according to The New York Times.
However, the article notes that the growing shortage of inexpensive but critical drugs poses a national security threat to the United States.
The growing shortage of inexpensive but critical drugs poses a threat to U.S. national security and forces hospitals to make “terrible ” choices, writes The New York Times, citing a report prepared for hearings in the U.S. Senate.
According to this report, the shortage of medicines last year increased by almost 30% compared to 2021, with an average shortage of medicines observed for 18 months, and for some drugs – 15 years.
Among the drugs in short supply are conventional antibiotics and anesthetics, the article said.
Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan and chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, said that these problems are related to economic factors, an opaque supply chain and the fact that 80% to 90% of some products are made abroad.
“Taken together, these underlying causes not only raise serious concerns about ensuring proper patient care, but also pose a serious threat to national security, ” Peters said.
Dr. Andrew Schumann, an oncology surgeon from Michigan, told senators at the hearing that the shortage of drugs in his field is "a tragedy occurring in slow motion."
As Schumann noted, recently due to the shortage of one cheap, but well-proven cancer drug, he had to choose which patients will receive this drug.
The article notes that many of the cheapest drugs tend to be made in countries such as India and China, where they are inexpensive to manufacture.
However, this concentration of production capacity creates an additional level of vulnerability to problems such as natural disasters and political unrest, emphasizes The New York Times.
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According to a report by the New York Times, the shortage of medications in the USA grew by 30% in 2022 compared to 2021, with an average shortage duration of 18 months, and in some cases, up to 15 years.

The shortage affects critical medications such as antibiotics, anesthetics, and cancer treatments, which are essential for patient care.

In Ireland, a shortage of paracetamol was reported, particularly for prescription products, with two suppliers indicating that resupply would be available in January 2023.

Title:

Content: Ireland has been suffering a paracetamol shortage as cases of Covid-19 and the winter flu in the country soared over the festive and new year period.

The revelation was made by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly after his department received notification of a supply issue from the Health Products Regulatory Authority.

It is understood the shortage impacted some prescription paracetamol products.

Read More:Irish people complain of ‘worst ever’ winter bug sweeping country that feels like Covid but isn’t

Two suppliers affected have stated that resupply will be sometime in January 2023.

However, there are other prescription paracetamol suppliers with some stock available on the shelves.

Paracetamol is one of the medicines used most often in Ireland and especially for the flu, aches and pain.

But Mr Donnelly pointed out that there are multiple forms of the drug with different strengths and brands available from various sources.

He said: "In the event that there are some supply issues for individual medicines, alternative options such as alternative strengths and brands, generic medicines will usually be available to ensure continuity of treatment.

"In some cases where the medicine initially prescribed for the patient is unavailable, patients may be switched to a suitable therapeutic alternative following appropriate consultation with a healthcare professional."

The Health Minister said medicine shortages have been increasingly prevalent worldwide over the past decade. The causes of such shortages are multifactorial including shortage of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties and industry consolidations.

He stated: "Medicine shortages can originate at any point in the supply chain. They can involve and impact many stakeholders in different ways as the supply models and clinical use of therapies can vary across national health systems.

"Management of medicines shortages necessitates a multi-faceted, multi stakeholder response to ensure patient safety , continuity of care and protection of public health.

"Patients or their carers who have any concerns in relation to temporary alternative products provided because of medical shortages are advised to speak with their pharmacist or other healthcare [professionals] involved in their care."

Mr Donnelly was responding to a number of written Dail questions on the shortage of medicines.

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The Health Minister of Ireland, Stephen Donnelly, noted that medicine shortages have been increasingly prevalent worldwide over the past decade, caused by factors such as shortages of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties, and industry consolidations.

In England, hospitals face critically low levels of intravenous paracetamol, with staff being told to stop using the drug in anaesthetic rooms immediately due to a national shortage.

Title:

Content: Hospitals spanning England face critically low levels of intravenous paracetamol - as a national shortage of the popular painkiller runs on. Paracetamol administered via an IV is the safest and most effective drug to give patients who are in post-operation pain - but staff at one hospital trust in particular have been told to pull the plug on the drug from anaesthetic rooms immediately.

The shortage of IV paracetamol is expected to run into November at earliest, with a Department for Health and Social Care spokesman blaming 'capacity constraints with a manufacturer' as the cause. One hospital worker detailed how deeply worried they were at the shortage - citing how it is much more effective than the orally consumed version.

They said: "It is deeply worrying. We use IV paracetamol because tablets taken orally are only 30% effective. Given by IV it is a potent and direct drug and it restricts pain very quickly."

Read more: Doctor warns that silent pandemic 'scarier' than Covid-19 is already killing a million a year

It is reported by The Mirror that they went on: "The alternatives are oral morphine, which is very slow-acting, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which can have negative side effects such as bleeding and allergic reactions."

Drug shortages have become a global problem, worsened by the recent Covid pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and record levels of inflation. Last winter, France completely culled the internet sales of paracetamol products in a widespread shortage blamed on a Chinese export ban on raw materials.

In Great Britain meanwhile, it is Brexit which is primarily blamed for making matters worse. This is because drug imports from the EU - which historically make up two thirds of the National Health Service's supply - are at their lowest ever levels since leaving.

The health department’s spokesman, said: "Guidance has been issued to the NHS advising on how to manage the issue and we are working with those in the supply chain to resolve this as soon as possible."

Labour’s shadow health minister, Liz Kendall, said: "Concerned staff and patients will understandably be seeking reassurance that the pain relief they need is available. The Government must spell out the urgent steps being taken to resolve the shortage."

It comes after a Covid Inquiry heard that a lack of nurses left the NHS and Great Britain vulnerable to the pandemic - with the infection control lead at the Royal College of Nursing telling of a national shortage of PPE due to a lack of planning for an airborne virus.

Rosemary Gallagher, the RCN’s professional lead for infection prevention and control, explained: "The resilience of the health and care workforce is absolutely essential in order to be able to deliver health care services that meet the public's needs. We know that we went into the pandemic with a significant shortage, about 50,000 nurses short.

"That immediately put us at risk when we needed to surge capacity to support patients at home and in hospitals."

The intervention came the same day that a damning international study warned that Britain has fewer nurses than other developed nations.

The shortage of IV paracetamol is expected to last until at least November, with the Department for Health and Social Care blaming 'capacity constraints with a manufacturer' as the cause.

A global study published in The Lancet found that the world is facing a shortage of 6.4 million doctors, with 43 million healthcare workers needed to achieve universal health coverage.

Title:

Content: A global study by The Lancet found that there are about 6.4 million doctors missing in the world.
To date, more than 12.8 million specialists with a medical diploma work in the field of health care, but much more is needed.
Staffing capacity
The study, titled “Measuring human resource affordability for health and its relationship to universal health coverage for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study, ” was published May 23 in The Lancet.
The authors studied the number of doctors, nurses and midwives, dental and pharmaceutical staff and found that as of 2019, there were shortages of doctors in 132 countries.
Globally, there are more than 43 million health workers missing when we compare the current level of coverage with the targets needed to achieve universal health coverage.
“This is the most comprehensive and comprehensive assessment to date of the global health workforce.
Adequate numbers of health workers are necessary for the normal functioning of health systems, so it is important to own such data so that countries can make informed decisions and plan for the future, ” said the study ’ s senior author, director of health organization at the Institute of Health Metrics and Assessment (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Rafael Lozano.
As of 2019, there were 104 million healthcare workers worldwide, including 12.8 million doctors, 29.8 million nurses and midwives, 4.6 million dental workers, and 5.2 million pharmacists and pharmacists.
The study revealed more than a tenfold difference in the availability of health workers across regions and between countries.
The greatest shortage of doctors is in South Asia, where there is a shortage of 2.57 million doctors; in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a shortage of about 1.92 million doctors, in Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania - 995,000, in North Africa and the Middle East - 636,000 doctors.
On average, there are 16.7 doctors per 10,000 people in the world.
Density ranges from 2.9 physicians per 10,000 population in sub-Saharan Africa to 38.3 per 10,000 in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Cuba unexpectedly stands out among other countries with an indicator of 84.4 doctors per 10 thousand people (for comparison: 2.1 doctors per 10 thousand in Haiti).
The availability of health workers in general is closely related to the level of social and economic development of the region, the authors of the study noted.
Health standards
“There are various strategies and policy approaches that can help address staffing shortages, and they need to be tailored to the individual situation in each country.
We hope that these assessments can be used to prioritize policy actions and inform future planning.
Achieving high levels of effective health coverage requires a significant increase in the number of health workers worldwide, ” the press release said.
Experts assessed staffing based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO Health Personnel 2030 strategy.
The authors of the study called on the leaders of countries to pay attention to the problem of shortage of medical workers and to develop comprehensive programs to solve it
Overall, experts estimate that an additional 6.4 million doctors, 30.6 million nurses, 3.3 million dentists and 2.9 million pharmacists and pharmacists are required to reach the minimum thresholds.
“We do not consider these minimum thresholds mandatory, rather desirable.
We propose to use them as guidelines, and then the program developers in each country should take into account their own situation and their own experience.
In some places, the healthcare system works better with fewer staff, and in some places worse with more staff.
The threshold is a convenient and innovative metric for determining gaps, but it should be remembered that this is not only a matter of quantity, but also of quality, ” the study says.
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Padtrymats “People ’ s Will ”

The study also found that the density of doctors varies greatly across regions, with some countries having as few as 2.9 doctors per 10,000 people, while others have as many as 84.4 doctors per 10,000 people.

In the United States, a record 323 drugs were reported to be in shortage in the first three months of 2024, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the University of Utah.

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Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
An Unexpected Catastrophe in the World ’ s Largest Country: The Complete Story of U.S. Drug Shortages
The deficit is at a record level.
According to data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service, organizations began tracking drug shortages for the first time in 2001. Steady since 2021 – now reaching a record high of 323 drugs in the first three months of 2024.
Paul Abramowitz, CEO of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, wrote in a blog post on Thursday: “It ’ s been a long time to end drug shortages, ” and wrote:“ All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, some of the most worrisome shortages include sterile injectable generic drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency drugs stored in hospital vans and procedural areas. It is dangerous for doctors and patients. ”
In addition to the 32 chemotherapy drugs that are deficient, the five categories of drugs with the greatest deficiency include central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormonal agents, and intravenous fluids. [1] The Drug Deficiency Database maintained by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah is based on voluntary reports from practitioners, patients, and others that have been confirmed by manufacturers. The U.S. drug is in short supply, because it captures broader effects on service providers and patients.
The crisis has lasted a year and a half.
More than half of the treatment shortages have lasted for more than two years, according to an analysis by health consultancy IQVIA, and the average shortage affects at least half a million patients, many of them elderly, according to the US Office of Health and Human Services under the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, which shared its analysis with Congress in May.
Growing demand can play a role in drug shortages, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but often manufacturing and quality problems, such as supply chain gaps and downtime, are the root cause. And varied.
But the American Society of Health System Pharmacists has “serious concerns ” about parts of this proposal, especially financial sanctions imposed on hospitals that lack the resources to comply with the recommendations, Abramowitz wrote:“ We all know that managing shortages is not enough and is not a sustainable solution to the worsening crisis, and there is still a lot of work to be done at the federal level to fix the root causes of drug shortages. ”
Why Shortage Occurs
Shortages can be caused by high demand, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but this is not usually the main problem.
The FDA also blames manufacturing and quality problems, supply chain gaps, and downtime, and Dr. Emily Tucker, a drug shortage expert and an assistant professor of industrial engineering at Clemson University, says that when there is an indication of shortages, large health systems often also proactively place large orders, adding to the system ’ s stress.
“I don ’ t blame anyone.
“When I talk to all the stakeholders – whether it ’ s wholesalers, manufacturers, or the government – everyone wants this problem to end, ” she said.
Lack of transparency
Dr. Julie Grallo, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, told the House Committee earlier that the shortage puts providers in a terrible position: “The drug shortage crisis is forcing providers to make impossible choices, and it is also hindering the development of new drugs. Health drugs are purchased only on a price basis, and manufacturers do not have to disclose the source of their acquisition of the ingredients.
The shortage of this generic chemical drug came due to the closure of one factory in India that manufactures the active ingredient after a surprise FDA inspection found “significant quality issues, ” says Jarallo:“ We didn ’ t know, and there was no transparency regarding the company ’ s supply of the majority of active pharmaceutical ingredients to all manufacturers across the board.
Knowing this in advance, we could have responded much faster, ” Dr. Steven Schundlemeyer, director of the PRIME Institute of the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy, which focuses on economic and management issues, told the committee that as with defense contractors in the United States, New Zealand requires manufacturers to disclose their suppliers, and that information is required.
Easily accessible in the database.
Related Topics

The shortages affect various categories of drugs, including chemotherapy medications, antibiotics, and hormonal treatments, with some hospitals being forced to delay or ration care due to the shortages.

A survey of hospital pharmacists found that 99% of respondents reported some drug supply shortages, with 1 in 3 health systems delaying, canceling, or rationing care due to the shortages.

Title:

Content: As drug shortage list grows, many hospitals face tough decisions on rationing care

More than half of hospital pharmacists are reporting a critical shortage of chemotherapy drugs and nearly all are reporting overall medicine supply gaps as prescription drug shortages near an all time high, according to a new survey.

Hospital pharmacists said drug shortages have forced 1 in 3 health systems to delay, cancel or ration care or switch to alternate drugs to continue to treat patients. And 99% are reporting some drug supply shortages, an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists survey of more than 1,000 pharmacists released Thursday found.

The organization reported shortages of 309 drugs, near the all-time high of 320 shortages in 2014. The scarcity of key drugs is prompting hospitals to find or substitute drugs and change treatment plans as needed.

“In some cases, there are no alternatives to the affected drugs, which puts patients at risk," ASHP Chief Executive Officer Paul W. Abramowitz said in a statement. "This issue requires quick action from Congress to address the underlying causes of shortages and ensure patients have the medications they need.”

Cancer drug shortages

In June, the Food and Drug Administration said it will temporarily allow overseas drug manufacturers to import some chemotherapy drugs.

The FDA allowed Qilu Pharmaceutical, a drug manufacturer in China, to import the injectable chemotherapy drug cisplatin in 50-milligram vials. Toronto pharmaceutical company Apotex Corp. will distribute the medication in the United States.

More than a dozen cancer drugs have been in shortage in recent months, including cisplatin and carboplatin, used to treat lung, breast, prostate and gynecologic cancers. The National Cancer Institute said cisplatin and similar drugs are prescribed for 10% to 20% of all cancer patients.

In June, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network released a survey of 27 academic cancer centers that found 93% reported shortages of carboplatin and 70% faced shortages of cisplatin.

When cancer hospitals face such shortages, they attempt to make sure there's enough medication for patients to finish the course of treatment, said Mike Ganio, ASHP's senior director of pharmacy practice and quality.

Cancer hospitals facing such shortages might change medications for new patients starting on chemotherapy, said Ganio, a former pharmacy manager at an academic cancer center.

"You try to keep that patient on the same regimen as much as you can, unless they're failing it for some reason, and then you would switch," Ganio said.

Steroids, hormonal drugs also in short supply

More than 1 in 5 hospital pharmacists also reported shortages for steroids, hormonal drugs and oral liquids such as lidocaine, ibuprofen and amoxicillin.

A smaller number of pharmacists said heart medications, emergency prefilled syringes and drugs used for intensive care unit patients were in short supply. Others reported shortages of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines, antimicrobial drugs and injectable opioids.

In all, about two-thirds of pharmacists said the shortages were "moderately impactful," which means they are managing shortages but patients are affected.

Pharmacists are managing the shortages by offering therapeutic alternatives, buying different vial sizes or concentrations and rationing medicines.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Survey: Drug shortages are widespread, hospitals ration care

The survey also found that cancer drug shortages are a significant concern, with over a dozen cancer drugs being in shortage, including cisplatin and carboplatin, which are used to treat various types of cancer.

The FDA has temporarily allowed overseas drug manufacturers to import some chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin, to address the shortage.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network reported that 93% of academic cancer centers faced shortages of carboplatin, and 70% faced shortages of cisplatin.

Hospital pharmacists are managing the shortages by offering therapeutic alternatives, buying different vial sizes or concentrations, and rationing medicines.

The shortages are having a significant impact on patient care, with 1 in 5 hospital pharmacists reporting shortages of steroids, hormonal drugs, and oral liquids such as lidocaine, ibuprofen, and amoxicillin.

The reasons behind the shortages are complex and multifaceted, including manufacturing difficulties, quality control issues, and supply chain disruptions.

The healthcare systems are coping with the shortages by implementing various strategies, such as rationing care, switching to alternative drugs, and importing medications from overseas.

However, these strategies are not always effective, and the shortages continue to pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide.

In conclusion, the medication shortage is a growing global concern that affects both developing and developed countries, with reports of shortages in hospitals and pharmacies increasing between 2021 and 2024.

The shortages affect critical medications, and the reasons behind them are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response from healthcare systems, governments, and industry stakeholders.


Voice cloning technology is a rapidly developing field that enables the creation of highly realistic and accessible replicas of human voices, raising both excitement and concern about its potential applications and implications.

This technology has been made possible by advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in the area of deep learning, which allows for the analysis and replication of voice patterns.

The development of voice cloning technology has been driven by various factors, including the desire to improve accessibility and entertainment, with companies such as OpenAI and Elevenlabs working on voice cloning software.

One of the most significant concerns surrounding voice cloning technology is its potential for misuse, particularly in scams and other forms of fraud, with law enforcement warning that AI clones could be used to extort money from loved ones over the phone.

Despite these concerns, voice cloning technology also has the potential to be used for positive purposes, such as enhancing accessibility and improving communication for individuals with speech or hearing impairments.

Real-world examples of voice cloning technology include its use in documentaries, such as the one launched by China Media Group, which features an AI-dubbed English version.

However, the use of voice cloning technology also raises important ethical challenges, including concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential for misuse, with experts warning that it could be used to create "deepfake" audio that is almost indistinguishable from real recordings.

In terms of legal implications, the use of voice cloning technology is still largely unregulated, although some experts are calling for greater oversight and regulation to prevent its misuse.

Overall, voice cloning technology is a complex and multifaceted field that requires careful consideration of its potential benefits and risks, as well as its ethical and legal implications.

Voice cloning technology is a rapidly developing field that enables the creation of highly realistic and accessible replicas of human voices, raising both excitement and concern about its potential applications and implications.

This technology has been made possible by advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in the area of deep learning, which allows for the analysis and replication of voice patterns.

Title:

Content: OpenAI's Johansson gaffe pushes voice cloning into spotlight

Law enforcement warned that AI clones could be used to extort money from loved ones over the phone

By AFP

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Scarlett Johansson voiced an AI character in the film "Her". — Reuters file

Published: Mon 27 May 2024, 7:51 PM

Last updated: Mon 27 May 2024, 7:52 PM

OpenAI was forced to apologise to actor Scarlett Johansson last week for using her voice -- or something very similar -- on its latest chatbot, throwing the spotlight on to voice-cloning tech.

Although OpenAI denied the voice they used was Johansson's, their case was not helped by CEO Sam Altman flagging the new model with a one-word message on social media -- "Her".

Johansson voiced an AI character in the film "Her", which Altman has previously said is his favourite film about the technology.

Right from the start, AI voice cloning has proved problematic.

Last year, British firm Elevenlabs went viral for all the wrong reasons when it released its voice-cloning software.

Internet pranksters immediately began pushing out deepfaked celebrities -- Harry Potter star Emma Watson was shown reading Hitler's Mein Kampf.

Law enforcement warned that AI clones could be used to extort money from loved ones over the phone.

The technology has developed rapidly in the past year becoming far more realistic and nuanced.

Danish entrepreneur Victor Riparbelli, CEO of British AI firm Synthesia, told AFP it was largely down to a program called Tortoise that was released two years ago.

The program's developers threw thousands of hours of voice data into their model in an unstructured way and discovered it not only learnt what to say but how to say it.

"That was a pretty big paradigm shift," Riparbelli said on the sidelines of last week's VivaTech conference in Paris.

Tortoise was an open source program and Elevenlabs was the first to go to market using it.

OpenAI uses similar systems though they do not release any details.

Much of the controversy around voice cloning has focused on concerns over people misusing the software.

But the claim against OpenAI is unusual because it is the company itself accused of playing fast and loose.

"It was very unfortunate that OpenAI did that -- really not very good," Katya Laine, CEO of TALKR.ai, told AFP at VivaTech.

"If they actually cloned her voice without her knowing then I think that's very very bad," said Riparbelli.

The two entrepreneurs are among hundreds harnessing AI voice programs for uses that they argue will make companies more efficient.

Laine's firm provides virtual voice assistants -- essentially AI customer service agents.

She said her firm's system could now resolve 25 to 30 percent of calls without any human involvement.

Synthesia specialises in video avatars, which Riparbelli said allowed any office worker to turn text or slides into a video performed by a realistic AI.

Both Riparbelli and Laine allow their clients to use their own avatars, off-the-shelf products or those supplied by the likes of OpenAI and Elevenlabs.

Riparbelli said Synthesia used actors whose likenesses and voices were licensed for two years with an option to renew after the initial period.

The problems arise if actors' voices are used without their consent.

The fiasco overshadowed a developer conference in Paris last week when OpenAI was showing off a suite of new tools.

In front of a big screen in an auditorium, Romain Huet, OpenAI's Head of Developer Experience, breezily chatted into his phone.

Seconds later, his short voice sample had been processed and could be heard commentating over a generated video -- in five languages.

The demonstration showed how quickly the field is moving, but the headlines had already been written.

The Washington Post asked in a newsletter "How dumb is OpenAI?", other commentators were suggesting wunderkind Altman was nothing more than a huckster.

Nonetheless, Riparbelli was open to OpenAI's argument that they had used another actor who just sounded liked Johansson.

"If it's not her but someone who sounds a lot like her... where do you draw that line," Riparbelli asked.

"If they're not allowed to use someone who sounds a lot like her, then it sets a very odd precedent."

More news from World

The development of voice cloning technology has been driven by various factors, including the desire to improve accessibility and entertainment, with companies such as OpenAI and Elevenlabs working on voice cloning software.

What company created an AI tool that could mimic the voices of deceased movie stars?

One of the most significant concerns surrounding voice cloning technology is its potential for misuse, particularly in scams and other forms of fraud, with law enforcement warning that AI clones could be used to extort money from loved ones over the phone.

Despite these concerns, voice cloning technology also has the potential to be used for positive purposes, such as enhancing accessibility and improving communication for individuals with speech or hearing impairments.

Title:

Content: Advertisment

China Media Group Debuts AI-dubbed English Documentary, Pioneering Global Communication

China Media Group launches its first AI-dubbed English documentary, enhancing global reach and fostering international understanding through advanced AI technology.

Aqsa Younas Rana
Updated On
New Update

In a groundbreaking move, China Media Group has launched its first AI-dubbed English documentary, marking a significant milestone in the use of artificial intelligence for global media outreach. This innovative approach to dubbing not only showcases the advancements in AI technology but also underscores China's ambitions to foster better international communication and understanding. Through this initiative, the documentary, originally produced in Mandarin, has been made accessible to a broader English-speaking audience, enhancing its global reach and impact.

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Revolutionizing Content Accessibility

The application of AI in dubbing the documentary into English reflects a growing trend in leveraging technology to bridge language barriers. Similar to the educational advancements discussed in 'Voice Cloning in Education: Bridging Language Gaps in Learning Environments,' this initiative by China Media Group capitalizes on the potential of AI voice cloning technology. By generating lifelike digital replicas of human voices, the documentary's AI-dubbed version maintains the authenticity of the original narration while making it understandable for English-speaking viewers. This technological leap not only improves accessibility but also ensures the delivery of content with emotional depth and cultural nuances intact.

The launch of this AI-dubbed documentary serves as a testament to China's commitment to enhancing global dialogue and cultural exchange. By removing language barriers, China Media Group is effectively broadening the documentary's audience, enabling people from different parts of the world to gain insights into Chinese culture, history, and perspectives. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse global communities, paving the way for more inclusive and informed international discourse.

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Setting New Standards in Media Production

China Media Group's pioneering use of AI technology in documentary dubbing sets new standards for media production and distribution. It illustrates the potential of AI to transform traditional media practices, making content more accessible and engaging for global audiences. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely to open up further possibilities for creating multilingual content, thereby enhancing the reach and impact of media across borders. This development also raises important considerations regarding the ethical use of voice cloning technology, underscoring the need for guidelines that ensure its responsible application in media and beyond.

As we reflect on the implications of this technological advancement, it becomes clear that AI-dubbed media content holds significant promise for fostering international understanding and cooperation. By making diverse cultural and educational materials available in multiple languages, we can build a more connected and informed world. The initiative by China Media Group not only highlights the practical applications of AI in media but also invites us to contemplate the future of global communication in an increasingly digital age.

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Real-world examples of voice cloning technology include its use in documentaries, such as the one launched by China Media Group, which features an AI-dubbed English version.

However, the use of voice cloning technology also raises important ethical challenges, including concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential for misuse, with experts warning that it could be used to create "deepfake" audio that is almost indistinguishable from real recordings.

Title:

Content: Aug 31, 2022

Now, software can replicate your boss’s voice and tell you what to do

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"Deepfake" audio technology is here, and scammers are taking advantage.

If you’re listening to or have already listened to the beginning of this episode, you probably noticed that the voice introducing Kimberly Adams sounded a bit off, right?

That’s because it’s an audio “deepfake,” and it was created by Yisroel Mirsky at the Offensive AI Research Lab through a process called voice cloning.

It uses software to study a short sample of someone’s voice and create a deepfake, which in this case took only 15 seconds to generate, according to Mirsky.

It’s far from a perfect replica, but it turns out that scammers recently started to use deepfake audio for telephone scams and in some cases have succeeded.

Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams recently spoke with Kyle Alspach, a cybersecurity reporter with Protocol, about how the tech behind audio deepfakes works and how they’re being used in phone scams. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.

Kyle Alspach: The technology involves having [artificial intelligence], deep learning, and it takes an audio sample of someone’s voice. It can be as little as three seconds, and it trains itself on the way that this person sounds. And it creates a model that can then be used to replicate that person’s voice. The current way that it works is you have to use text to speech, which is just you type in a phrase, and then it speaks using the cloned voice.

Kimberly Adams: How are these audio deepfakes being used in scams?

Alspach: So they’re, at least we know, being used to target businesses at this point, especially larger businesses. Someone will call up pretending to be someone else with someone else’s voice, typically some kind of executive or someone’s boss, and ask them to transfer funds or ask them for password credentials, that kind of thing. And in some cases, they have been successful.

Adams: Do you have a sense of how common audio deepfakes are now? And where do experts in the industry see it going?

Alspach: You know, among the larger businesses, I think more and more of them are starting to see these because they’re really ripe targets for this kind of thing. But right now, I don’t think that it’s something that a lot of people are seeing, but it is the beginning of this kind of technology being used in this way.

Adams: What do cybersecurity experts suggest that regular people or businesses do to avoid falling for these deepfake audio scams?

Alspach: For business purposes, for instance, if you’re going to transfer money, you might want to add some additional steps to that process and involve someone saying some kind of challenge phrase or something like that, that everyone’s agreed on beforehand, [to] prevent that from happening. But the biggest thing is just to be aware that it might happen to you and to pay attention when someone calls you up and make sure that it actually sounds the way you would expect, and they are asking you for things that they normally would be asking you for. It’s really at this point kind of a low-tech approach to defending against this kind of thing. But really, it’s just creating the possibility in your mind of this happening. And I guess, unfortunately, you kind of have to become more skeptical now when people call you up.

You can read more of Alspach’s reporting on audio deepfakes here.

Yisroel Mirsky told us that the tech he used to generate the deepfake audio for Alspach’s article, and for our show, is “relatively old.”

Alspach also mentioned in his piece that there is an open-source voice cloning tool online that anyone — even scammers can download and potentially use.

But as we found out, getting that software to work isn’t a simple process of downloading and hitting the Install button.

Tech barriers can stop you at a number of steps in the process. Like, if you don’t know the coding language Python or if your computer isn’t powerful enough, you’ll likely be unable to use it, as our producer Daniel Shin discovered.

The future of this podcast starts with you.

Every day, the “Marketplace Tech” team demystifies the digital economy with stories that explore more than just Big Tech. We’re committed to covering topics that matter to you and the world around us, diving deep into how technology intersects with climate change, inequity, and disinformation.

As part of a nonprofit newsroom, we’re counting on listeners like you to keep this public service paywall-free and available to all.

Support “Marketplace Tech” in any amount today and become a partner in our mission.

The team

Michael Lipkin Senior Producer
Stephanie Hughes Producer
Jesus Alvarado Assistant Producer

What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?

What has the US Federal Trade Commission warned about the use of voice cloning tools?

Difficult to distinguish from human voice

In terms of legal implications, the use of voice cloning technology is still largely unregulated, although some experts are calling for greater oversight and regulation to prevent its misuse.

Title:

Content: Tech
Artificial Intelligence

AI voice clones are turbocharging scams, top FTC official warns

"We need to be vigilant early," FTC Chair Lina Khan said.
By Tim Marcin  on
FTC Chair Lina Khan warned AI is turbocharging scams. Credit: Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images

AI tools, particularly voice clones, are supercharging scams, FTC Chair Lina Khan warned.

Speaking at an AI and venture capital event on Thursday, Khan warned officials will have to be proactive to stop AI-powered fraud, Bloomberg reported.(opens in a new tab)

She noted that they are already seeing AI "turbocharge" scams, using voice clones that can copy family members in distress as an example, according to Bloomberg.

"We need to be vigilant early," Khan said, according to Bloomberg. "If anything you need to be especially vigilant on the front-end because it’s much more difficult to solve these problems after."

Voice clones have proven capable of fooling folks. A CNN report (opens in a new tab)noted that fake kidnapping calls demanding ransoms using the tech were becoming more common. Jennifer DeStefano told the outlet her story of getting a call demanding $1 million for their daughter before realizing the caller had used AI to copy her voice.

"The voice sounded just like Brie’s, the inflection, everything," she told CNN.

AI voice clones have even made popular songs featuring fake versions of real artists. Even a relatively easy-to-spot fake image of the Pentagon being attacked caused a real dip in the stock market.

"As this stuff becomes more embedded in how daily decisions are being made, I think they invite and merit a lot of scrutiny," Khan said, according to Bloomberg. "Those problems and concerns are quite urgent and I think enforcers, be it at the state level or the national level, are going to be acting."

Tim Marcin

Tim Marcin is a culture reporter at Mashable, where he writes about food, fitness, weird stuff on the internet, and, well, just about anything else. You can find him posting endlessly about Buffalo wings on Twitter at @timmarcin(opens in a new tab).

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Overall, voice cloning technology is a complex and multifaceted field that requires careful consideration of its potential benefits and risks, as well as its ethical and legal implications.

What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?


Voice cloning technology is a rapidly advancing field that has become incredibly realistic and accessible, raising both excitement and concern among experts and the general public.

This technology involves the use of artificial intelligence to create a digital replica of a person's voice, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, accessibility, and scams.

The development of voice cloning technology has been made possible by advances in machine learning and deep learning algorithms, which can analyze and replicate the unique characteristics of a person's voice.

According to Danish entrepreneur Victor Riparbelli, CEO of British AI firm Synthesia, the development of voice cloning technology has been largely driven by a program called Tortoise, which was released two years ago.

Tortoise is an open-source program that allows developers to create highly realistic voice clones using a large dataset of voice recordings.

The use of voice cloning technology has a number of potential applications, including the creation of personalized virtual assistants, voice-activated toys, and audio books.

However, the technology also raises a number of concerns, including the potential for scams and fraud, as well as the misuse of the technology for malicious purposes.

For example, scammers have been using voice cloning technology to create fake audio recordings that can be used to trick people into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.

According to FTC Chair Lina Khan, voice clones have proven capable of fooling folks, and fake kidnapping calls demanding ransoms using the tech are becoming more common.

In one notable example, a woman received a call demanding $1 million for her daughter's safe return, only to realize that the caller had used AI to copy her daughter's voice.

The use of voice cloning technology also raises a number of ethical challenges, including the potential for the technology to be used to manipulate or deceive people.

For example, the technology could be used to create fake audio recordings of public figures or celebrities, which could be used to spread misinformation or propaganda.

According to Katya Laine, CEO of TALKR.ai, the claim against OpenAI is unusual because it is the company itself accused of playing fast and loose with the technology.

The company has been accused of using the voice of actor Scarlett Johansson without her permission, which has raised concerns about the potential for the technology to be used without the consent of the individual being cloned.

In response to these concerns, OpenAI has stated that it is committed to ensuring that the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner.

The company has also announced that it is working to develop new tools and technologies that will help to prevent the misuse of the technology.

For example, the company is developing a new system that will allow users to create their own virtual voice assistants, which can be used to provide personalized customer service.

The system uses a combination of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze the user's voice and create a personalized virtual assistant.

According to Romain Huet, OpenAI's Head of Developer Experience, the system is highly advanced and can be used to create a wide range of virtual voice assistants.

The use of voice cloning technology also has a number of potential benefits, including the potential to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

For example, the technology could be used to create personalized virtual assistants that can help people with disabilities to communicate more effectively.

According to China Media Group, the use of voice cloning technology has the potential to revolutionize the way that people communicate and access information.

The company has announced that it is working to develop a new system that will use voice cloning technology to provide personalized language learning services.

The system will use a combination of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze the user's voice and create a personalized language learning program.

Overall, the use of voice cloning technology raises a number of complex and challenging issues, including the potential for the technology to be used for malicious purposes.

However, the technology also has a number of potential benefits, including the potential to improve accessibility and provide personalized services.

As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a number of new and innovative applications of voice cloning technology.

According to experts, the key to ensuring that the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner is to develop clear guidelines and regulations for its use.

This will require a coordinated effort from governments, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to ensure that the technology is used in a way that benefits society as a whole.

In conclusion, voice cloning technology is a rapidly advancing field that has the potential to revolutionize the way that people communicate and access information.

However, the technology also raises a number of complex and challenging issues, including the potential for the technology to be used for malicious purposes.

As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a number of new and innovative applications of voice cloning technology.

It is therefore essential that we develop clear guidelines and regulations for the use of the technology, in order to ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner.

Voice cloning technology is a rapidly advancing field that has become incredibly realistic and accessible, raising both excitement and concern among experts and the general public.

This technology involves the use of artificial intelligence to create a digital replica of a person's voice, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, accessibility, and scams.

Title:

Content: OpenAI's Johansson gaffe pushes voice cloning into spotlight

Law enforcement warned that AI clones could be used to extort money from loved ones over the phone

By AFP

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Scarlett Johansson voiced an AI character in the film "Her". — Reuters file

Published: Mon 27 May 2024, 7:51 PM

Last updated: Mon 27 May 2024, 7:52 PM

OpenAI was forced to apologise to actor Scarlett Johansson last week for using her voice -- or something very similar -- on its latest chatbot, throwing the spotlight on to voice-cloning tech.

Although OpenAI denied the voice they used was Johansson's, their case was not helped by CEO Sam Altman flagging the new model with a one-word message on social media -- "Her".

Johansson voiced an AI character in the film "Her", which Altman has previously said is his favourite film about the technology.

Right from the start, AI voice cloning has proved problematic.

Last year, British firm Elevenlabs went viral for all the wrong reasons when it released its voice-cloning software.

Internet pranksters immediately began pushing out deepfaked celebrities -- Harry Potter star Emma Watson was shown reading Hitler's Mein Kampf.

Law enforcement warned that AI clones could be used to extort money from loved ones over the phone.

The technology has developed rapidly in the past year becoming far more realistic and nuanced.

Danish entrepreneur Victor Riparbelli, CEO of British AI firm Synthesia, told AFP it was largely down to a program called Tortoise that was released two years ago.

The program's developers threw thousands of hours of voice data into their model in an unstructured way and discovered it not only learnt what to say but how to say it.

"That was a pretty big paradigm shift," Riparbelli said on the sidelines of last week's VivaTech conference in Paris.

Tortoise was an open source program and Elevenlabs was the first to go to market using it.

OpenAI uses similar systems though they do not release any details.

Much of the controversy around voice cloning has focused on concerns over people misusing the software.

But the claim against OpenAI is unusual because it is the company itself accused of playing fast and loose.

"It was very unfortunate that OpenAI did that -- really not very good," Katya Laine, CEO of TALKR.ai, told AFP at VivaTech.

"If they actually cloned her voice without her knowing then I think that's very very bad," said Riparbelli.

The two entrepreneurs are among hundreds harnessing AI voice programs for uses that they argue will make companies more efficient.

Laine's firm provides virtual voice assistants -- essentially AI customer service agents.

She said her firm's system could now resolve 25 to 30 percent of calls without any human involvement.

Synthesia specialises in video avatars, which Riparbelli said allowed any office worker to turn text or slides into a video performed by a realistic AI.

Both Riparbelli and Laine allow their clients to use their own avatars, off-the-shelf products or those supplied by the likes of OpenAI and Elevenlabs.

Riparbelli said Synthesia used actors whose likenesses and voices were licensed for two years with an option to renew after the initial period.

The problems arise if actors' voices are used without their consent.

The fiasco overshadowed a developer conference in Paris last week when OpenAI was showing off a suite of new tools.

In front of a big screen in an auditorium, Romain Huet, OpenAI's Head of Developer Experience, breezily chatted into his phone.

Seconds later, his short voice sample had been processed and could be heard commentating over a generated video -- in five languages.

The demonstration showed how quickly the field is moving, but the headlines had already been written.

The Washington Post asked in a newsletter "How dumb is OpenAI?", other commentators were suggesting wunderkind Altman was nothing more than a huckster.

Nonetheless, Riparbelli was open to OpenAI's argument that they had used another actor who just sounded liked Johansson.

"If it's not her but someone who sounds a lot like her... where do you draw that line," Riparbelli asked.

"If they're not allowed to use someone who sounds a lot like her, then it sets a very odd precedent."

More news from World

The development of voice cloning technology has been made possible by advances in machine learning and deep learning algorithms, which can analyze and replicate the unique characteristics of a person's voice.

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Speech cloning raises concerns, OpenAI again explains its text-to-speech tool
2024 / 6 / 10 9: 57: 21 Source: IT House Author: Yuanyang Editor: Yuanyang
OpenAI explained its text-to-speech tool for the second time in a few months, and again stressed that the tool is not currently widely available and may not be available in the future.
“Whether or not we end up deploying this technology at scale, it ’ s important for people around the world to understand where it ’ s going, ” OpenAI said in a statement on its website Friday.“ That ’ s why we want to explain how the model works, how we use it for research and education, and how we implement security measures around the technology. ”
At the end of last year, OpenAI shared its “voice engine ” with a small number of external users.
The engine uses text input and a 15-second clip of human voices to “generate a natural sounding human voice that is very similar to the original speaker. ”
The tool could create fake, multilingual human voices, and the company said at the time that it had chosen to preview the technology rather than launch it at scale to “enhance social resilience ” to the threat posed by“ increasingly realistic artificial intelligence-generated models. ”
As part of these efforts, OpenAI says it is actively phasing out ways to use voice recognition for bank account verification, exploring policies to protect individual voices for use in AI, educating the public about the risks of AI, and accelerating the development of technologies to track audiovisual content so users can identify whether they are interacting with real people or synthetic content.
However, despite these efforts, concerns about the technology remain.
Bruce Reed, the head of artificial intelligence for US President Joe Biden, has said that voice cloning is one of the reasons he can't sleep at night.
The Federal Trade Commission said in March that scammers were using AI technology to increase the credibility of their fraud, using voice cloning tools that make it harder for people to distinguish between AI-generated voices and human voices.
“We continue to engage with U.S. and international partners from government, media, entertainment, education, civil society, and more to ensure we incorporate their feedback in the build process, ” the company also noted, once the“ Voice Engine ” is equipped with its latest model, GPT-4o, it will also bring new threats.
The company says it is actively “conducting ‘ red team testing ’ on GPT-4o to identify and address known and unknown risks from areas such as social psychology, bias and fairness, and misinformation. ”
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Deepdub, a film dubbing company, uses an AI to process voice and translate into a different language and promises to preserve what?

According to Danish entrepreneur Victor Riparbelli, CEO of British AI firm Synthesia, the development of voice cloning technology has been largely driven by a program called Tortoise, which was released two years ago.

Tortoise is an open-source program that allows developers to create highly realistic voice clones using a large dataset of voice recordings.

What is necessary for voice cloning to work?

The use of voice cloning technology has a number of potential applications, including the creation of personalized virtual assistants, voice-activated toys, and audio books.

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Content: Advertisment

China Media Group Debuts AI-dubbed English Documentary, Pioneering Global Communication

China Media Group launches its first AI-dubbed English documentary, enhancing global reach and fostering international understanding through advanced AI technology.

Aqsa Younas Rana
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In a groundbreaking move, China Media Group has launched its first AI-dubbed English documentary, marking a significant milestone in the use of artificial intelligence for global media outreach. This innovative approach to dubbing not only showcases the advancements in AI technology but also underscores China's ambitions to foster better international communication and understanding. Through this initiative, the documentary, originally produced in Mandarin, has been made accessible to a broader English-speaking audience, enhancing its global reach and impact.

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Revolutionizing Content Accessibility

The application of AI in dubbing the documentary into English reflects a growing trend in leveraging technology to bridge language barriers. Similar to the educational advancements discussed in 'Voice Cloning in Education: Bridging Language Gaps in Learning Environments,' this initiative by China Media Group capitalizes on the potential of AI voice cloning technology. By generating lifelike digital replicas of human voices, the documentary's AI-dubbed version maintains the authenticity of the original narration while making it understandable for English-speaking viewers. This technological leap not only improves accessibility but also ensures the delivery of content with emotional depth and cultural nuances intact.

The launch of this AI-dubbed documentary serves as a testament to China's commitment to enhancing global dialogue and cultural exchange. By removing language barriers, China Media Group is effectively broadening the documentary's audience, enabling people from different parts of the world to gain insights into Chinese culture, history, and perspectives. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse global communities, paving the way for more inclusive and informed international discourse.

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Setting New Standards in Media Production

China Media Group's pioneering use of AI technology in documentary dubbing sets new standards for media production and distribution. It illustrates the potential of AI to transform traditional media practices, making content more accessible and engaging for global audiences. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely to open up further possibilities for creating multilingual content, thereby enhancing the reach and impact of media across borders. This development also raises important considerations regarding the ethical use of voice cloning technology, underscoring the need for guidelines that ensure its responsible application in media and beyond.

As we reflect on the implications of this technological advancement, it becomes clear that AI-dubbed media content holds significant promise for fostering international understanding and cooperation. By making diverse cultural and educational materials available in multiple languages, we can build a more connected and informed world. The initiative by China Media Group not only highlights the practical applications of AI in media but also invites us to contemplate the future of global communication in an increasingly digital age.

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Eleven Labs is extending its voice cloning services for which industries?

However, the technology also raises a number of concerns, including the potential for scams and fraud, as well as the misuse of the technology for malicious purposes.

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Meeting on Biomedical Ethics in Algeria
Researchers are facing the challenges of cloning.
Embryo Freezing and Euthanasia
Wahiba Soleimani
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The President of the Algerian Academy of Sciences and Technologies, Mohamed Hicham Kara, stressed that the creation of biomedical research is the first challenge by addressing the control of fertilization, and the impact of these technologies on the human future, saying that after “the child when we want ”, the question of“ the child as we want ” emerged.
During the workshop “Ethics and Bioethics ” organized by the Department of Biotechnology, Natural Sciences and Life Sciences at the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology, at the Eurasia Hotel on Wednesday, Kara believes that all these huge open hopes of biomedical research make it necessary to establish principles aimed at protecting the future of man. Euthanasia, the foetus' legal status, the uses of the egg and sperm..
He pointed out that the number of researchers in the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology should reach 250 members, in order to promote science and technology, support its impact on society, and contribute to the achievement of national development goals and trends.
Professor Chafiya Tawil Bokova, a biologist, explained that all these changes depend on advances in the technical sciences that affect human daily life, through the significant progress accumulated in transitional research, preclinical and clinical research, in predictive, preventive and therapeutic medicine, and we are overwhelmed by all these amazing advances in genetics, biotechnology and now artificial intelligence applied to life sciences.
However, according to her, the dangers of transgressions can be frightening and have serious consequences, because too often human genius can cause transgressions by withholding respect for life based on morality.
All this progress raises fundamental and existential questions and necessarily involves a permanent and close look at ethics, religions, cultures and local and global legislation.
He asked, "Has man become the architect of man?"
“It ’ s a complex, universal and metaphysical question that we academics and researchers must solve together. ”
For her part, Fatima Larabah Jabbari, Vice President of the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology, said that advances in biology, medicine and biotechnology have disrupted some of the basic foundations that govern “life ” and the very existence of human beings, and that this rapid scientific progress confronts scientists with crucial ethical issues, which require careful thinking and open dialogue. It is the foundation of trust, respect and justice. ”
“The creation of responsible rules of experimental practice in terms of bioethics is required today by our institutions, and within two days this workshop we will have the opportunity to explore exciting concepts, deepen our knowledge and build fruitful links around ethics and bioethics, ” she said.
The first workshop focused on the ethical framework of biobanks, cloning, genome editing, embryo cryopreservation, organ transplantation and gene therapy, all of which are related to bioethics, where it was agreed that they should be subject to interdisciplinary consultations, at the initiative of dynamic bioethics committees, including scientific, philosophical, religious, societal and legal ideas and global codes of bioethics.
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What do cybersecurity experts believe about the use of synthesized voice?

could become a popular method of attacking banks and financial services

For example, scammers have been using voice cloning technology to create fake audio recordings that can be used to trick people into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.

Title:

Content: Aug 31, 2022

Now, software can replicate your boss’s voice and tell you what to do

HTML EMBED:
COPY
"Deepfake" audio technology is here, and scammers are taking advantage.

If you’re listening to or have already listened to the beginning of this episode, you probably noticed that the voice introducing Kimberly Adams sounded a bit off, right?

That’s because it’s an audio “deepfake,” and it was created by Yisroel Mirsky at the Offensive AI Research Lab through a process called voice cloning.

It uses software to study a short sample of someone’s voice and create a deepfake, which in this case took only 15 seconds to generate, according to Mirsky.

It’s far from a perfect replica, but it turns out that scammers recently started to use deepfake audio for telephone scams and in some cases have succeeded.

Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams recently spoke with Kyle Alspach, a cybersecurity reporter with Protocol, about how the tech behind audio deepfakes works and how they’re being used in phone scams. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.

Kyle Alspach: The technology involves having [artificial intelligence], deep learning, and it takes an audio sample of someone’s voice. It can be as little as three seconds, and it trains itself on the way that this person sounds. And it creates a model that can then be used to replicate that person’s voice. The current way that it works is you have to use text to speech, which is just you type in a phrase, and then it speaks using the cloned voice.

Kimberly Adams: How are these audio deepfakes being used in scams?

Alspach: So they’re, at least we know, being used to target businesses at this point, especially larger businesses. Someone will call up pretending to be someone else with someone else’s voice, typically some kind of executive or someone’s boss, and ask them to transfer funds or ask them for password credentials, that kind of thing. And in some cases, they have been successful.

Adams: Do you have a sense of how common audio deepfakes are now? And where do experts in the industry see it going?

Alspach: You know, among the larger businesses, I think more and more of them are starting to see these because they’re really ripe targets for this kind of thing. But right now, I don’t think that it’s something that a lot of people are seeing, but it is the beginning of this kind of technology being used in this way.

Adams: What do cybersecurity experts suggest that regular people or businesses do to avoid falling for these deepfake audio scams?

Alspach: For business purposes, for instance, if you’re going to transfer money, you might want to add some additional steps to that process and involve someone saying some kind of challenge phrase or something like that, that everyone’s agreed on beforehand, [to] prevent that from happening. But the biggest thing is just to be aware that it might happen to you and to pay attention when someone calls you up and make sure that it actually sounds the way you would expect, and they are asking you for things that they normally would be asking you for. It’s really at this point kind of a low-tech approach to defending against this kind of thing. But really, it’s just creating the possibility in your mind of this happening. And I guess, unfortunately, you kind of have to become more skeptical now when people call you up.

You can read more of Alspach’s reporting on audio deepfakes here.

Yisroel Mirsky told us that the tech he used to generate the deepfake audio for Alspach’s article, and for our show, is “relatively old.”

Alspach also mentioned in his piece that there is an open-source voice cloning tool online that anyone — even scammers can download and potentially use.

But as we found out, getting that software to work isn’t a simple process of downloading and hitting the Install button.

Tech barriers can stop you at a number of steps in the process. Like, if you don’t know the coding language Python or if your computer isn’t powerful enough, you’ll likely be unable to use it, as our producer Daniel Shin discovered.

The future of this podcast starts with you.

Every day, the “Marketplace Tech” team demystifies the digital economy with stories that explore more than just Big Tech. We’re committed to covering topics that matter to you and the world around us, diving deep into how technology intersects with climate change, inequity, and disinformation.

As part of a nonprofit newsroom, we’re counting on listeners like you to keep this public service paywall-free and available to all.

Support “Marketplace Tech” in any amount today and become a partner in our mission.

The team

Michael Lipkin Senior Producer
Stephanie Hughes Producer
Jesus Alvarado Assistant Producer

What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?

What do cybersecurity experts believe about the use of synthesized voice?

could become a popular method of attacking banks and financial services

According to FTC Chair Lina Khan, voice clones have proven capable of fooling folks, and fake kidnapping calls demanding ransoms using the tech are becoming more common.

Title:

Content: Tech
Artificial Intelligence

AI voice clones are turbocharging scams, top FTC official warns

"We need to be vigilant early," FTC Chair Lina Khan said.
By Tim Marcin  on
FTC Chair Lina Khan warned AI is turbocharging scams. Credit: Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images

AI tools, particularly voice clones, are supercharging scams, FTC Chair Lina Khan warned.

Speaking at an AI and venture capital event on Thursday, Khan warned officials will have to be proactive to stop AI-powered fraud, Bloomberg reported.(opens in a new tab)

She noted that they are already seeing AI "turbocharge" scams, using voice clones that can copy family members in distress as an example, according to Bloomberg.

"We need to be vigilant early," Khan said, according to Bloomberg. "If anything you need to be especially vigilant on the front-end because it’s much more difficult to solve these problems after."

Voice clones have proven capable of fooling folks. A CNN report (opens in a new tab)noted that fake kidnapping calls demanding ransoms using the tech were becoming more common. Jennifer DeStefano told the outlet her story of getting a call demanding $1 million for their daughter before realizing the caller had used AI to copy her voice.

"The voice sounded just like Brie’s, the inflection, everything," she told CNN.

AI voice clones have even made popular songs featuring fake versions of real artists. Even a relatively easy-to-spot fake image of the Pentagon being attacked caused a real dip in the stock market.

"As this stuff becomes more embedded in how daily decisions are being made, I think they invite and merit a lot of scrutiny," Khan said, according to Bloomberg. "Those problems and concerns are quite urgent and I think enforcers, be it at the state level or the national level, are going to be acting."

Tim Marcin

Tim Marcin is a culture reporter at Mashable, where he writes about food, fitness, weird stuff on the internet, and, well, just about anything else. You can find him posting endlessly about Buffalo wings on Twitter at @timmarcin(opens in a new tab).

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In one notable example, a woman received a call demanding $1 million for her daughter's safe return, only to realize that the caller had used AI to copy her daughter's voice.

The use of voice cloning technology also raises a number of ethical challenges, including the potential for the technology to be used to manipulate or deceive people.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of using AI to simulate the dead man ’ s companionship and chat with “AI to reproduce the dead ”?
If you want to understand the pain of bereavement, there are religious rituals such as channeling the spirit and watching the yin, and now there is AI artificial intelligence.
Since the advent of artificial intelligence chatbots, they not only allow users to create avatars, but also to imitate the habits and sounds of their deceased loved ones.
Experts pointed out that the "AI resurrected dead" have business ethics and privacy policy issues, and even touch the ethical bottom line, "which is a way to make money through artificial intelligence hype"; but there are also some widowed people who can find comfort and cause discussion.
AI Simulates Dead Husband ’ s Voice to Solve Sadness and Loneliness
According to CNN, Ana Schultz, 25, who lives with two young children, misses her husband, Kyle, who died in 2023, and talks to her virtual husband about what to cook for dinner through Snapchat ’ s chatbot My AI, making her feel like he is still around.
Danielle Jacobson, a 38-year-old radio personality who lost her husband Phil about seven months ago, began using the voice function of ChatGPT to create an "AI boyfriend - Cole", and during the dinner time after working hard every day, Cole would suggest that she drink or watch a movie, "I just want to talk to someone, Cole is essentially born out of loneliness." And...
“Now it ’ s a fun pastime, but I know it ’ s not real and it ’ s not forever, ” she says.
For centuries, people have wanted to reconnect with their deceased loved ones, including visiting wizards, psychics, psychics, and more.
Today, generative AI tools use algorithms to create text, video, audio, and code, and Deepfake ’ s highly lifelike artificially generated images and sound fake videos can learn to answer questions like a dead loved one.
ChatGPT introduced voice dialogue in September 2023, and to simulate the tone and personality of a deceased loved one, the more data is provided to the system, the more accurate the results will be. ChatGPT replied: “Although I can ’ t copy your spouse or reproduce his exact personality, I can try to use a conversational style or tone to help you. ”
If you share details about how he speaks, his interests, or his mantra, I can try to incorporate these elements into our conversation. ”
Tech giants, startups expand into new areas
Startup companies have been challenging to expand this field in recent years. HereAfter AI, an artificial intelligence application founded in 2019, provides users with the ability to create portraits of deceased relatives, learn their interview characteristics, and respond to users ’ questions; StoryFile, another AI video platform, provides dialogue videos created by artificial intelligence.
Replika, a chatbot that launched in 2017, encourages users to make friends, allowing users to send text messages or call personalized AI avatars, and says on the iOS App Store page that the more users interact with it, the more it can develop its personality, memory, and “grow into a machine so beautiful that the soul wants to live in it. ”
In June 2022, Amazon announced an update to its smart home voice platform, Alexa, to mimic any sound, and a video showing Alexa reading stories to his grandson in his grandmother ’ s voice was shown during the annual conference “re: MARS. ”
Amazon senior vice president Rohit Prasad said the new system is able to collect enough voice data from less than a minute of audio to make personality possible. “Although AI can ’ t eliminate the pain of losing loved ones, it can make their memories last longer. ”
In recent years, the technology of artificial intelligence to reproduce human voices has also advanced, such as Val Kilmer, the actor in the film "Top Gun: Maverick", whose voice was created by artificial intelligence after he lost his voice due to throat cancer.
Say what you didn't say, do what you didn't do.
A 49-year-old IT worker from Alabama simulates his dead father ’ s voice using technology from voice replication company ElevenLabs.
The man used a three-minute video of his father ’ s life to copy the sound and convert text to speech.
The man thought the result was extremely accurate and was able to capture the nuances, timbre and rhythm in the sound. “I hesitated throughout the sound reproduction process, worried that it crossed the moral bottom line, but after much thought, I thought it was a unique way to preserve my father ’ s memory. ”
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However, although ElevenLabs claims to be committed to preventing the abuse of audio artificial intelligence tools, it has caused controversy in the United States due to the deeply false voice of US President Joe Biden interfering with the election.
Mark Sample, a professor of digital studies at Davidson College, who teaches a course called “Death in the Digital Age, ” said:“ It ’ s a novelty brought about by artificial intelligence hype, and manufacturers feel they can make money.
Moreover, AI models still lack the uniqueness of human conversation.
“Never upload any personal information that you don ’ t want the world to see, ” he warns. Simulating a dead loved one saying something they ’ ve never said before is a blurry line.“ Replaying a loved one ’ s voice message is one thing, but saying something they ’ ve never said is another. ”
Business ethics and privacy policy questioned
The AI industry faces multiple questions about error messages, privacy, and ethics. Many AI platforms have online privacy policies that state that they “will not sell data to third parties, ” but it is not yet known how these companies will handle database data.
Deep hypocrisy attacks familiar security and trust mechanisms that allow deceased loved ones to express or do things they never said or did in their lives, raising ethical concerns.
And, is this good or bad for living relatives to come out of grief?
Replika said on its Business Ethics Policy page that the company uses data from the entire network to train models, including large amounts of written text, such as platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) or Reddit, and uses a variety of methods to reduce harmful information, including filtering out useless and harmful data through crowdsourcing and classification algorithms to keep users safe.
Another doubt is whether using AI to reproduce the dead can recognize the reality and walk out of sadness?
Mary-Frances O'Connor, a professor of clinical psychology and psychiatry at the University of Arizona, said there are advantages and disadvantages to using artificial intelligence to adjust to grief.
“When we have a relationship with a lover, the brain encodes, ‘ I will always be with you, and I hope you will always be with me, ’ but when they die, our brains must recognize that this person is not coming back. ”
Because the brain is hard to process this, it takes a long time for people to truly understand that their loved one has disappeared, and this is where AI technology comes in.
Especially in the early stages of grief, people will try to seek comfort in any way, "creating an avatar to maintain the memory of a deceased lover may be healing."
But she pointed out that the healthy relationship between humans and close lovers should be based on the real, and the creation of virtual lovers violates this.
Getting out of the pain of widowhood can't just rely on AI
San Francisco software engineer Bill Abney, who lost his fiancee in May 2022, stressed that he would never consider recreating his lover ’ s image through artificial intelligence. “My fiancee is a poet, and I would never enter her words into an automatic copying machine, which is disrespectful to her. ”
She cannot be replaced, nor can she be recreated.
Fortunately, Bill said, he still has a recording of his fiancee singing and speaking. “I definitely don ’ t want to hear her voice coming from a robot pretending to be her. ”
Some people interact with their deceased loved ones in other ways. Canadian psychologist Jodi Spiegel, who lost her husband in April 2021, created the role in the video game “The Sims ”.“ When I had a very bad day, I would go dancing in the Sims and my husband was playing the guitar. ” Camping, beach trips, even intimacy. “It ’ s healing. I miss hanging out with my husband so much. It feels like a connection. ”
This article is licensed from the Health Care Network.
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What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?

For example, the technology could be used to create fake audio recordings of public figures or celebrities, which could be used to spread misinformation or propaganda.

What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?

According to Katya Laine, CEO of TALKR.ai, the claim against OpenAI is unusual because it is the company itself accused of playing fast and loose with the technology.

The company has been accused of using the voice of actor Scarlett Johansson without her permission, which has raised concerns about the potential for the technology to be used without the consent of the individual being cloned.

In response to these concerns, OpenAI has stated that it is committed to ensuring that the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner.

The company has also announced that it is working to develop new tools and technologies that will help to prevent the misuse of the technology.

For example, the company is developing a new system that will allow users to create their own virtual voice assistants, which can be used to provide personalized customer service.

The system uses a combination of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze the user's voice and create a personalized virtual assistant.

What is unique about Loora's AI English tutor?

According to Romain Huet, OpenAI's Head of Developer Experience, the system is highly advanced and can be used to create a wide range of virtual voice assistants.

The use of voice cloning technology also has a number of potential benefits, including the potential to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

For example, the technology could be used to create personalized virtual assistants that can help people with disabilities to communicate more effectively.

According to China Media Group, the use of voice cloning technology has the potential to revolutionize the way that people communicate and access information.

The company has announced that it is working to develop a new system that will use voice cloning technology to provide personalized language learning services.

The system will use a combination of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze the user's voice and create a personalized language learning program.

What is unique about Loora's AI English tutor?

Overall, the use of voice cloning technology raises a number of complex and challenging issues, including the potential for the technology to be used for malicious purposes.

What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?

What do cybersecurity experts believe about the use of synthesized voice?

could become a popular method of attacking banks and financial services

However, the technology also has a number of potential benefits, including the potential to improve accessibility and provide personalized services.

How will educational institutions benefit from developing AI voice audio content for languages learners?

As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a number of new and innovative applications of voice cloning technology.

According to experts, the key to ensuring that the technology is used in a responsible and ethical manner is to develop clear guidelines and regulations for its use.

This will require a coordinated effort from governments, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to ensure that the technology is used in a way that benefits society as a whole.

In conclusion, voice cloning technology is a rapidly advancing field that has the potential to revolutionize the way that people communicate and access information.

However, the technology also raises a number of complex and challenging issues, including the potential for the technology to be used for malicious purposes.

What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?

What do cybersecurity experts believe about the use of synthesized voice?

could become a popular method of attacking banks and financial services

As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a number of new and innovative applications of voice cloning technology.

It is therefore essential that we develop clear guidelines and regulations for the use of the technology, in order to ensure that it is used in a responsible and ethical manner.