A misleading video is currently circulating on social media. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the image and voice of YouTuber Kalvijn have been misused to promote an illegal online casino.
A familiar face used in a fraudulent advertisement
A video has been circulating on social media for several days. At first glance, it looks like a normal advertisement: a familiar face, a recognisable voice, a reassuring message. However, behind these images lies a disturbing manipulation. The face and voice of Dutch YouTuber Kalvijn, whose real name is Kelvin Boerma, have been misused using artificial intelligence to promote an illegal online casino. The alert was raised by Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA), an organisation committed to combating the excesses of gambling advertising.
Kalvijn is not an insignificant creator. His name is well known in the Netherlands and beyond. His YouTube channel has over 1.37 million subscribers and reaches a wide audience with content on video games, social experiences, family topics and immersion in worlds frequented by young people.
It is precisely this fame that appears to have been exploited in a video generated by artificial intelligence. The YouTuber’s face appears in the video to promote a gambling app called Ice Cold Fish. Neither his consent nor his actual participation have been confirmed. It is a sophisticated digital imitation, but the tone, face and posture seem credible, at least enough to fool an unsuspecting viewer.
Illegal gambling platforms have already used deepfakes in their advertisements on numerous occasions. Victims include Sky News journalists, footballers such as Virgil van Dijk and Kevin de Bruyne, and celebrities such as Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The strict legal framework for gambling advertising
In the Netherlands, the legislation governing gambling advertising is particularly strict. For operators with an official licence, the use of models or public figures is strictly prohibited. This rule is specifically designed to prevent famous or admired people from endorsing potentially addictive practices.
This ban applies in particular to influencers with a large audience and broad reach. The KVA has already stated in its own analyses that an influencer can be considered a role model if they reach a large and diverse audience and are used in a promotional context related to gambling.
A strategy targeting young people and minors
What particularly concerns the KVA is the target audience. Kalvijn’s content addresses topics that speak directly to young people. In the video in question, Dutch and Belgian flags are prominently displayed. This detail is not insignificant. It reinforces the illusion of legitimacy and gives the impression of a local, regulated and safe offering. For a young viewer, the message is clear: if a well-known personality talks about it and the product appears to be from their own country, then the risk seems lower.
The KVA points out that the illegal gambling sector frequently uses advertisements generated by artificial intelligence, often without any age targeting. But this video marks a turning point: the deliberate choice of a famous influencer suggests an increased desire to manipulate and an explicit search for credibility.
The role of the KVA in detection and alerting
Faced with this threat, Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) has positioned itself as a watchdog. As part of the Kansspelautoriteit alliance, the Dutch gaming authority, KVA actively monitors abuses in the sector and reports misleading practices.
In this case, the organisation quickly identified the fraudulent video and alerted the public via its Instagram account. The objective is clear: to prevent confusion, limit the spread of advertising and remind people of the risks associated with illegal gambling.
The KVA emphasises a fundamental point: transparency and rapid response are essential to prevent such content from becoming commonplace. The longer a video of this type circulates, the more damage it can cause, especially among vulnerable audiences.
A direct appeal to content creators
Beyond this specific case, the KVA is issuing a warning to all YouTubers, influencers and content creators. Artificial intelligence now makes large-scale identity theft possible. No one is immune.
The organisation encourages creators to actively monitor the use of their name, image and voice. Detecting fraudulent use quickly allows for more effective action to be taken with platforms and the relevant authorities.