Berkshire Hathaway has issued a warning over AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating its longtime CEO, Warren Buffett.
The company announced on Thursday that videos featuring AI-created images of the 95-year-old investor are circulating on YouTube, often pairing fabricated visuals with comments he never made. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha”, Buffett has become an increasing target for AI impersonators.
While the videos may closely mimic his appearance, Berkshire noted that the audio typically uses flat, generic speech that “clearly” is not Buffett’s voice. One highlighted example, titled “Warren Buffett: The #1 Investment Tip For Everyone Over 50 (MUST WATCH),” features an impersonated voice giving investment advice.
“Individuals who are less familiar with Mr. Buffett may believe these videos are real and be misled by the contents,” Berkshire said. “Mr. Buffett is concerned that these types of fraudulent videos are becoming a spreading virus.”
The surge in deepfake technology and AI-driven voice tools has made it easier to produce realistic forgeries of public figures, raising concerns about misinformation and reputational damage. In May, the FBI reported that malicious actors had used AI-generated voice calls and text messages to impersonate senior U.S. officials in attempts to access personal accounts.
Buffett has previously voiced concerns over people impersonating him, particularly through increasingly sophisticated AI-generated content. In October 2024, just weeks before the U.S. presidential election, he warned about fraudulent claims suggesting he endorsed political candidates or investment products.
Having largely stepped back from political endorsements after supporting former President Barack Obama and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, Buffett is now set to retire as Berkshire’s CEO at the end of the year, with Vice Chairman Greg Abel succeeding him.
This alert underscores the growing challenges of AI-generated impersonation, highlighting the need for vigilance in distinguishing real statements from deepfake content.