Brian Cox, a renowned physicist and professor at The University of Manchester, expressed his gratitude to YouTube for taking down accounts that employed AI to create deepfake videos of him making misleading statements about comet ATLAS 3i. He raised concerns regarding the potential long-term implications of such technology.
Earlier this week, Cox took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice his frustration over what he termed “AI shite of me popping up on YouTube.” He clarified, “The general rule is that if I appear to say something that you agree with and you are a UFO enthusiast, flat earth advocate, or believe comet ATLAS 3i is a spaceship, it”s fake.” His tweet has garnered significant attention, amassing over 618,500 views.
Discovered on July 1, 2025, comet ATLAS 3i has puzzled astronomers due to its unique characteristics; unlike typical comets, it does not orbit the Sun. As an interstellar comet, it is one of only three ever observed, having originated from outside our Solar System. Scientists estimate that ATLAS 3i is at least 7 billion years old, potentially making it the oldest comet ever documented.
Some conspiracy theorists have suggested that ATLAS 3i may be an alien spacecraft engaged in covert activities near the Sun. In light of this, deepfake videos have emerged, displaying prominent scientists supposedly endorsing these outlandish claims. Following public outcry, Cox urged YouTube to take action, commenting on the platform”s sluggish response to such issues.
After YouTube”s intervention, Cox acknowledged the swift removal of the most notorious deepfake accounts, while questioning the effectiveness of these measures in the long run. He stated, “Thanks to @YouTube for taking down the more prominent AI accounts of me quickly. I”m not sure what the solution to this will be in the longer term.” He emphasized that while misinformation about a comet may seem trivial, it poses significant risks in other scientific and political contexts.
This incident is not isolated, as several celebrities have recently voiced concerns over deepfake technology. Earlier this month, actor Keanu Reeves criticized the unauthorized use of his likeness in AI-generated promotions. Similarly, in 2023, Tom Hanks alerted fans to the misuse of his image in advertisements without his consent. Morgan Freeman and Jamie Lee Curtis have also expressed their grievances regarding AI-generated impersonations.
As for comet ATLAS 3i, Cox reiterated its true nature, stating, “Just to be clear – given recent drivel online – Comet 3I/Atlas is a comet, made of carbon dioxide and water ices and bits of other stuff. It is entirely natural in origin, its orbit is as expected and it will whizz around the sun and then disappear off into the galaxy again.” He added, “If it ever encounters another inhabited solar system in the far future, I hope the living beings there are more sensible than us and enjoy it for what it is – a visitor from elsewhere in the galaxy.”
