A top tech YouTuber has called out a ‘scummy’ company for using his ‘voice’ to sell a product.
Marques Brownlee is known for being on the cusp of the latest technology trends, sharing his reviews on new products from the recent Tesla event to Apple releases and even bizarre Dyson headphones.
Over the years, his tech advice has earned him nearly 20 million subscribers.
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Many companies are keen to get Brownlee’s seal of approval but the YouTuber has claimed that some might be faking it.
Brownlee took to X, formerly Twitter, yesterday (October 14) to claim that there are firms who are using an AI generated version of his voice to make their customers think he’s backing their products.
In a post, he wrote: “It's happening. There are real companies who will just use an AI-created rip of my voice to promote their stuff. And there's really no repercussions for it other than being known as this scummy shady company that is willing to stoop that low to sell some product.”
Along with the post, Brownlee shared a screen recording of a video posted to the dot. cards Instagram page.
In the clip, a voice which sounds like Brownlee can be heard advertising the product, making remarks like ‘I’ve heard a lot of great things about them’ and ‘the tech is this is pretty legit’.
The company in question sells digital business cards where a physical metal card can be tapped on a phone to open up a profile.
On their website, they say these business cards will ‘elevate your networking’.
Brownlee recently faced heat online himself after announcing that he was releasing a brand new app called Panels.
The app gives smartphones and other devices a range of high-quality and full resolution ‘art pieces’.
These can be used as a phone’s wallpaper but people weren’t too happy about the ads and paywalls blocking their use of the app.
Taking to X to address the backlash, Brownlee said: “Part of building in public is getting mass feedback immediately, which is pretty dope. Almost exactly like publishing a YouTube video.
“First thing we're doing is fixing the excessive data disclosures, as people rightfully brought up. For transparency, we'd never actually ask for your location, internet history, etc. The data disclosures (that everyone is screenshotting) is likely too broad, and largely driven by what the ad networks suggest. Working to fix that ASAP.
“As far as pricing, I hear you! It's our own personal challenge to work to deliver that kind of value for the premium version. (Weekly Friday drops are already starting) I'll also be dialing back ad frequency for the free experience.
“Much more to come. I appreciate you all.”
LADbible Group has contacted dot. cards for a comment.