While scrolling through social media, what if you found a video of yourself saying or doing something you certainly have never said or done before? Although it is extremely deceptive and fake, it is uploaded on the Internet for everyone to see…
A ‘deepfake’ refers to incredibly realistic and authentic-looking content, generated by artificial intelligence, that is actually fake and is used to trick viewers. This outstanding technology in the wrong hands causes lots of damage. The usage of deepfakes in the current digital era has evolved into a major social issue.
The World Economic Forum has announced that the number one risk of 2024 is misinformation through deepfakes from generative AI.
The impact of this technology has become a cause for concern, with profound implications for privacy, misinformation, and national security jeopardizing interests and political stability.
In 2020, a deepfake video of the Tunisian Prime Minister was circulated, sparking political turmoil and calling into question the integrity of political figures and institutions. Such incidents underscore the potential of deepfakes to manipulate diplomatic relations, incite violence, and create chaos on a global scale.
Similarly, in 2023, a viral deepfake video featured Infosys founder Narayana Murthy delivering a manipulated speech sponsoring a trading project that guaranteed people heaps of money. The fabricated video had a striking likeness to his actual voice and mannerisms.
Such convincing videos have the power to sway public perception and influence elections. In a world already struggling to combat the spread of misinformation, deepfakes pose a formidable challenge to the authenticity of digital content and the public's trust in what they see and hear.
A chilling example is the use of deepfake technology to create fake videos sponsoring products, where the faces of celebrities or ordinary individuals are superimposed onto such content.
This malicious use of deepfakes has the potential to devastate lives and reputations, leading to emotional distress and social stigmatization for the victims.
In response to the growing threat of deepfakes, researchers, tech companies, and lawmakers have begun to develop detection algorithms and measures to combat their harmful effects. Organizations such as Facebook and Microsoft have dedicated resources to identify and remove deepfake content from their platforms, while governments have introduced bills aimed at curbing the production and circulation of such fabricated media.
Lastly, as we navigate the uncharted territory of deepfakes using AI technology, it is imperative to prioritize the development of tools and policies that safeguard against its detrimental impacts.
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