ESC-AI: Exploitation through Cloned Impersonation with Artificial Intelligence Forensic Intelligence Report and Legal Analysis

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Authors: Alicia Colmenero-Fernández
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Abstract (English) This forensic intelligence report analyzes a new typology of cybercrime termed "Exploitation through Cloned Impersonation" (ESC-AI), characterized by the systematic appropriation of public figures' personality attributes—voice, image, name, and authority—using deep learning neural networks to generate synthetic digital assets for monetization. Unlike traditional deepfakes focused on defamation, ESC-AI operates as an industrial-scale reputational parasitism driven by economic extraction through advertising revenue. The report examines two case studies (Dr. Marian Rojas Estapé and Yuval Noah Harari), detailing the "hydra strategy" of distributed channel networks. It provides comprehensive legal analysis under Spanish civil law (Organic Law 1/1982), intellectual property law, criminal code provisions, and European regulations including the AI Act, Digital Services Act, and GDPR biometric data protection. The report concludes with a strategic roadmap for victims covering evidence preservation, infringer identification, blocking procedures, administrative complaints, and civil litigation strategies, emphasizing the "hypothetical royalty" doctrine for damage quantification. Keywords: deepfakes, voice cloning, identity theft, AI-generated content, digital impersonation, intellectual property, biometric data, GDPR, AI Act, cybercrime, reputational damage, platform liability, content farms, Spanish law, European regulation

Fields of Study & Subjects

Digitalization Law and Regulation AI and Intellectual Property Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
15 January 2026
Language
EN