‘Scary’ Tom Cruise deepfakes take over TikTok, horrifying viewers

People have expressed their concern after a TikTok profile has surfaced sharing “scary good” deepfakes of Mission Impossible actor Tom Cruise.

The account, @deeptomcruise, uses computer software to impose the actor’s face on another person, enabling individuals to impersonate other people.

Sharing a clip from the profile on Twitter, user Lauren White said: “Deepfakes are getting scary good and taking over TikTok. Every public figure should just be on there with a verified account – even if  they don’t want to make content – to make it easier to identify their fakes.”

In the clip, the man can be seen putting on a hat and sunglasses, before swinging at a golf ball.

“If you like what you’re seeing, just wait until what’s coming next,” he teased.

Elsewhere, MSNBC producer Brian Kosciesza posted another video showing the individual performing a simple coin trick, making it disappear before moving his hand quickly across his face.

“It’s all the real thing,” the man says, as the video effect continues to superimpose Cruise onto him with no glitches.

The videos have since shocked people online, with many questioning the ethical implications of such technology:

Others weren’t convinced, casting immediate doubt on the video’s accuracy or spotting moments when the individual’s real face is visible:

The TikTok profile isn’t the first time that Cruise’s likeness has been used in deepfakes.

During an appearance on a US talk show, comedian Bill Hader impersonated the actor, which was later altered in a viral video using the deceptive editing technique.

More: Rosamund Pike isn’t here for Hollywood’s photoshopping issue