The emergence of AI avatars and virtual influencers is the logical evolution of filters, AR masks, and generative graphics: we have moved from light retouching to entirely synthetic faces. Within just a few years, this technology has spawned a distinct market, followed by unprecedented risks of fraud, exploitation, political propaganda, and long-term psychological issues for society.
In this article, together with the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) international experts, TASS will break down exactly how the digital clone market operates, what markers can still help spot them, and why they are becoming the primary weapon for cybercriminals and political spin doctors.
From trendy 3D toys to a multi-billion dollar industry
One of the first landmark cases of digital avatars achieving commercial success was the creation of the virtual blogger Lil Miquela in 2016. She was positioned as a Brazilian-American girl managed by an American creative agency. Despite her emphasized robotic appearance, for a long time, it was unknown whether she was a real person. The account perfectly mimicked standard influencer activity and only revealed its true origins in 2019. The virtual model has collaborated with real brands, and her accounts on social media boast millions of followers.
