Deepfakes in business? How to use AI avatars ethically: A guide
Written by Maren Dinges | 3rd September 2025
Table of Contents
Deepfakes are rapidly changing how we communicate, consume media, learn, and work. AI-generated content such as deepfakes looks so real that, according to a recent study, only 0.1% of participants could correctly identify every deepfake—even when warned in advance.
What makes deepfakes dangerous isn’t the technology itself, but the way it’s misused. Deepfakes are built on the same underlying technology as AI avatars. Companies are already using AI avatars in training videos, onboarding, and corporate communications. But their use raises important ethical questions: How transparent should such content be? And how can companies maintain the trust of employees and customers?
This guide explains how organizations can use AI avatars in a responsible and ethical way.
What Are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are AI-manipulated images, videos, or audio clips designed to convincingly imitate real people. They’re powered by deep learning, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Related terms include synthetic media, AI-generated content, and voice cloning.
For example, a deepfake might show a well-known executive giving a motivational speech. The person’s voice, facial expressions, and gestures appear completely authentic. But in reality, the executive never gave that speech—the entire video was artificially generated.
Ethical Risks: Why Deepfakes Are a Problem for Businesses
Companies should be extremely cautious with deepfakes, especially in public contexts. The technology is widely associated with fake news, identity theft, and manipulation.
If a fake video shows a company executive making a controversial statement or announcing mass layoffs, the fallout can be severe: reputational damage, social media backlash, and a breakdown of trust among customers, employees, and stakeholders. Even internally, deepfake content can be harmful—once employees realize that “authentic” messages might be fabricated, trust erodes quickly.
In short: when real people appear to say or do things that never happened, it undermines credibility.
What Are AI Avatars?
AI avatars are digital characters powered by artificial intelligence that can mimic realistic speech, facial expressions, and body language. They typically rely on text-to-speech and text-to-video technology and belong to the same family of synthetic media.
For example, an AI avatar might act as a virtual presenter in an e-learning video, guiding learners through training modules in multiple languages. Avatars can be customized in look, voice, and behavior, making them flexible tools for communication.
Are AI Avatars the Same as Deepfakes?
Not quite. Both fall under the umbrella of synthetic media, but their intent and usage differ.
- AI Avatars are openly communicated as artificial. They are usually generic or customized characters created for specific contexts, such as training videos, customer service, or presentations.
- Deepfakes, on the other hand, imitate real people without disclosure, which makes them ethically and legally sensitive.
In short: while they rely on similar technology, AI avatars are transparent, purpose-driven, and not meant to deceive.
The Role of AI Avatars in Business
Used ethically, AI avatars can provide significant benefits. According to the Colossyan State of AI Avatars Report 2025:
- 91% of U.S. employees believe AI avatars can boost workplace productivity.
- 88% see major potential for faster and more effective training.
Some key benefits include:
- Personalized learning: Tailor content to audiences, roles, or language levels.
- Higher engagement: 77% of employees say they are more likely to ask questions when content is delivered by an AI avatar.
- Familiarity and trust: Avatars modeled after real colleagues can increase relatability and attention.
Business Benefits of AI Avatars
AI avatars help organizations make communication and learning more efficient and modern. Key advantages include:
- Time savings: Training, onboarding, and tutorials can be produced in minutes.
- Cost efficiency: No need for real presenters, studios, or extensive production resources.
- Personalization: Instantly adapt training or communication content to different languages, knowledge levels, or regions.
- Scalability: Content can be distributed widely and updated at any time.
Ethical Principles for Using AI Avatars Responsibly
To ensure AI-generated media is used responsibly, organizations should follow these guidelines:
1. Be transparent: Clearly disclose that content is AI-generated (e.g., via captions or disclaimers).
2. Get consent: If real people are used as templates, obtain their explicit permission.
3. Use appropriate contexts: Avoid avatars in sensitive or easily misinterpreted communications.
4. Respect privacy: Handle personal data such as names, voices, and likenesses in line with GDPR and other regulations.
3 Best Practices: How Companies Can Use AI Avatars
1.Onboarding: Standardized welcome messages, process explanations, and short training modules.
2. Compliance Training: Consistent, engaging, and interactive delivery of compliance content.
3. Product Tutorials: Simplify complex product features with clear, avatar-led video guides.
Step-by-Step: Creating an AI Avatar Video in simpleshow video maker
1. Write your script: Create your own or let simpleshow’s AI-powered Simplifier generate one.
2. Choose format: Select “AI Avatar Video.”
3. Pick an avatar: Decide which avatar to use for each scene.
4. Set appearance: Show the avatar full-screen, as a thumbnail, or in the corner.
5. Enhance with visuals and music: Add illustrations and a soundtrack to support your message.
6. Select a voice: Match your avatar with a natural-sounding AI voice.
7. Finalize and publish: Click “Finish Video” and your AI avatar video will be ready in minutes.
Conclusion: The Opportunity of AI Avatars for Business
When used transparently and responsibly, AI avatars deliver personalized, resource-efficient, and engaging communication. They make complex information more accessible, strengthen recognition, and foster trust—provided their purpose and origin are clear.
With simpleshow, you can start creating AI avatar videos today—no technical know-how required, but with maximum impact. Try it now in simpleshow video maker!
FAQ
What types of deepfakes exist?
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