TikTok is testing an AI likeness detection tool with a group of US creators, using Jumio's identity verification technology. The pilot program, announced this week, aims to combat deepfakes and unauthorized use of creators' images. But the move also raises broader questions about digital identity—questions that are especially pressing for the cryptocurrency industry.
How the tool works
The tool relies on Jumio, a company that already provides identity verification for banks, crypto exchanges, and other platforms. Creators in the pilot go through a verification process that confirms their likeness is real, not AI-generated. TikTok says the goal is to protect users from impersonation and misuse of their image. The testing is limited to a small group of US creators for now.
Why crypto platforms are watching
Digital identity is a weak point in crypto. Exchanges and wallets rely on Know Your Customer checks to onboard users, but deepfakes have made it easier to fake those checks. A realistic AI-generated video or photo can fool some verification systems. Jumio already works with several crypto firms, and its involvement in TikTok's pilot suggests the technology could be adapted for financial use. If the tool proves effective, it might become a standard for verifying not just social media users but also crypto account holders.
The deepfake threat to digital wallets
Deepfakes aren't just a social media problem. In crypto, they've been used to impersonate executives, trick support staff, and bypass security questions. A convincing fake video could let an attacker take over a wallet or exchange account. TikTok's tool, by verifying that a person's likeness is authentic, could help close that gap. The timing isn't great for platforms that have been slow to update their identity checks.
The pilot is ongoing, with no public timeline for a wider rollout. If TikTok expands the tool, it could set a precedent for other social networks and financial platforms. For crypto, the question is whether exchanges will adopt similar verification methods—and how quickly. The testing period will likely produce data on false positives and user experience, which could shape the next generation of KYC tools.
