Hidden danger: AI can copy real handwriting

Artificial intelligence (AI) has surprised us once again, this time with its ability to simulate handwriting .

Specifically, researchers at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi claim to have developed an AI tool that can copy a person's handwriting with high accuracy. With just a few handwritten paragraphs, the model can learn the style and signature strokes.

'People cannot differentiate AI-generated handwriting from real handwriting, and we are really proud to see that the tool can achieve such a level of accuracy,' researcher Salman Khan shared in a press release.

AI has demonstrated impressive abilities to copy speech and create images. And of course, handwriting is the next target. Currently, the model is mainly focused on simulating English handwriting and has not been widely released. The team recently patented the tool.

Picture 1 of Hidden danger: AI can copy real handwriting
AI tool HWT
copies the handwriting of 6 different people - (Photo: mbzuai).

The researchers also admit that the potential for the tool to be used for fraudulent and nefarious purposes is very worrying.

'We need to be cautious because it can be misused,' said researcher Rao Muhammad Anwer. ' Handwriting represents a person's identity, so we are thinking carefully before deploying this tool.'

In an interview with Bloomberg, the team said they will develop anti-forgery tools that can be used to decipher difficult-to-read handwriting, such as that of a doctor.

This development of AI brings both hope and anxiety. On the positive side, these tools can help restore damaged historical documents, assist the blind or those with writing difficulties, and even create new styles of art and entertainment. However, the downside of these tools cannot be overlooked. The ability to forge signatures, important documents, or even works of art is a serious threat.

The question is how to maximize the benefits of AI while still controlling the potential risks? This is a major challenge that society must solve together in the era of technology 4.0.