Deepfake definition
Deepfake refers to a form of synthetic media that employs artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to produce convincingly realistic, altered audio and visual material. By merging or overlaying pre-existing images and videos, deepfakes mislead audiences into thinking that the portrayed individual performed actions or said statements they never actually did.
See also: artificial intelligence, synthetic identity theft, machine learning
Deepfake examples
- Celebrities in fake videos: Falsely depicting a celebrity in a compromising situation, often used for defamation or as a tool for blackmail.
- Politicians in manipulated speeches: Creating videos of politicians saying things they never said, which can be used to spread disinformation or sway public opinion.
- Impersonation for identity theft: Using deepfakes to impersonate someone in a video or audio call to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Deepfake vs. shallowfake
While deepfakes rely on AI to create highly realistic manipulated content, shallowfakes involve simpler editing techniques like speeding up, slowing down, or cutting and pasting video frames.
Pros and cons of deepfake technology
Pro:
- Deepfakes can be used for entertainment purposes, such as parody videos, or to create realistic visual effects in movies and video games.
Con:
- They can be used for nefarious purposes, including spreading disinformation, manipulating public opinion, and facilitating identity theft and cybercrimes.
Preventing deepfake deception
- Verify the source of the content before sharing.
- Look for inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, or audio quality.
- Use video forensics tools to detect manipulated content.
