A Message from Ella – Deutsche Telekom’s Eye-Opening Ad Exposes Social Media Dangers with Deepfake Technology

Discover the perils of social media through Deutsche Telekom’s thought-provoking ad ‘A Message from Ella’, showcasing the power of deepfake technology. Gain insights into the risks of oversharing and the importance of responsible data handling in the digital age.

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, it is crucial to understand the potential hazards associated with sharing an abundance of personal information and experiences on social media platforms. Whether it’s documenting our vacations, weddings, or even the birth of a child, once these images are posted online, they become accessible to anyone without any restrictions.

To shed light on this issue, Deutsche Telekom has unveiled a candid advertisement that employs artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate the image of a child, showcasing how she might appear in the future. The ad titled ‘A Message from Ella’ features a sophisticated deepfake version of the child, convincingly imitating human movement and speech, which leaves her parents astounded when they encounter their daughter projected on the big screen at the cinema.

Uli Klenke, Chief Brand Officer, commented, “Telekom provides the finest and most secure network infrastructure, but alongside accessing this network, we must also equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure the safe and responsible management of our data on the internet. As the field of artificial intelligence advances, it presents both opportunities and risks. In this advertisement, we allow AI to caution us about its own capabilities, simultaneously emphasizing our fascination and awe. We must learn to navigate both aspects prudently.

Credits
Client: Deutsche Telekom
Campaign: A Message from Ella
Agencies: Adam&EveBerlin, DDB Germany
Director: Sergej Moya
Production: Tempomedia Berlin
Post-production: SPC/Supercontinent
Audio post-production: Supreme Music