Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has accused YouTube of ignoring repeated requests to remove a fraudulent Bitcoin giveaway scam that misused his image, warning that deepfake technology, AI-generated content, and cryptocurrency scams are becoming a global cybercrime crisis.
Speaking to CBS News, Wozniak revealed that online scammers altered an old video of him discussing Bitcoin by adding a decorative frame, a fake Bitcoin wallet address, and false promises to double any cryptocurrency sent. Victims, including one who contacted his wife Janet directly, claimed to have lost their life savings. Wozniak called the scheme “a crime” and urged stronger action to stop such crypto frauds.
According to Wozniak, YouTube’s content moderation system failed to take down the videos despite multiple legal notices. “We never got to YouTube; our lawyer only reached their lawyer,” he said, adding that even Janet’s takedown requests were ignored. The Apple co-founder argued that tech giants must take greater responsibility in combating AI-driven scams and phishing schemes that cost billions of dollars annually worldwide.
Highlighting the broader danger, Wozniak noted that high-profile technology figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are also frequent targets of deepfake cryptocurrency schemes. He warned that AI-powered identity theft and blockchain-related fraud are eroding public trust in online platforms.
Reflecting on the internet’s evolution, Wozniak lamented how its original promise of free information has been undermined by the commercialisation of digital platforms, where user tracking and targeted advertising dominate. He expressed concern that without stronger cybersecurity enforcement, deepfake scams, crypto Ponzi schemes, and fake investment offers will continue to spread unchecked.
Wozniak, who co-founded Apple Computer with Steve Jobs in 1976, remains a respected voice in the tech industry but says his warnings about online fraud often go unheard. “Nobody buys my voice,” he said, urging global action against the growing wave of AI and blockchain-enabled financial scams.
Speaking to CBS News, Wozniak revealed that online scammers altered an old video of him discussing Bitcoin by adding a decorative frame, a fake Bitcoin wallet address, and false promises to double any cryptocurrency sent. Victims, including one who contacted his wife Janet directly, claimed to have lost their life savings. Wozniak called the scheme “a crime” and urged stronger action to stop such crypto frauds.
According to Wozniak, YouTube’s content moderation system failed to take down the videos despite multiple legal notices. “We never got to YouTube; our lawyer only reached their lawyer,” he said, adding that even Janet’s takedown requests were ignored. The Apple co-founder argued that tech giants must take greater responsibility in combating AI-driven scams and phishing schemes that cost billions of dollars annually worldwide.
Highlighting the broader danger, Wozniak noted that high-profile technology figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are also frequent targets of deepfake cryptocurrency schemes. He warned that AI-powered identity theft and blockchain-related fraud are eroding public trust in online platforms.
Reflecting on the internet’s evolution, Wozniak lamented how its original promise of free information has been undermined by the commercialisation of digital platforms, where user tracking and targeted advertising dominate. He expressed concern that without stronger cybersecurity enforcement, deepfake scams, crypto Ponzi schemes, and fake investment offers will continue to spread unchecked.
Wozniak, who co-founded Apple Computer with Steve Jobs in 1976, remains a respected voice in the tech industry but says his warnings about online fraud often go unheard. “Nobody buys my voice,” he said, urging global action against the growing wave of AI and blockchain-enabled financial scams.
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