One way or another, you must’ve seen a picture or video that looks convincing but isn’t real. It could be in the form of a post on social media or an ad used in a marketing campaign. This synthetic content is called deepfakes and is becoming increasingly popular today.
Deepfake technologies are more than “content generators,” as they mimic human behaviour, appearance, and voice, making them a perfect tool for deceit. Many people now consider deepfakes a threat to society, as they can be used to spread lies and impersonate.
However, amidst the widespread backlash, some believe that deepfakes help us unlock countless possibilities. This article analyses how deepfakes can be used positively and negatively to determine whether they’re a threat or a tool of the future.
How Deepfake Technologies Work
Nowadays, anyone can use a generative AI tool to create realistic pictures and videos. These deepfakes work with two advanced technologies ─ machine learning algorithms and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). They work hand-in-hand to manipulate and alter reality.
Deepfake technologies study patterns in the way people look, sound, and move. The result? Videos or audio clips where people appear to say or do things they didn’t actually do.
Threats Posed by Deepfakes: What to Know
Deepfakes are evolving faster and getting better at mimicking humans. Their advancements have made it seamless for people to manipulate things. As such, deepfakes have become a rising problem in the digital world. Here are some of the threats that deepfakes pose:
1. Misinformation and Fake News
As deepfakes are creeping into society, some people worry that they could be used to spread fake news and mislead the masses. AI generative models can perfectly impersonate politicians, lawmakers, and other influential figures. For instance, a convincingly fake video of a world leader making a controversial statement can go viral before fact-checkers even respond. This could destabilise public trust or even cause conflict.
2. Invasion of Personal Privacy
Deepfakes have taken identity theft to another dimension. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a celebrity or a regular person; everyone’s privacy is vulnerable to deepfakes. For instance, some adult videos on the internet have been altered to look exactly like celebrities. This doesn’t just violate their rights, but also gives room for humiliation and blackmail.
3. Cybersecurity Risks
Deepfake technology has made it easy to create falsified content. So, don’t be surprised that it is used to conduct specific cyber attacks. One typical example is impersonating a wealthy CEO or faking a voice recording to defraud unsuspecting people.
4. Erosion of Trust
Deepfakes bring a common question to everyone’s mind: “If everything can be fake, what is real?” As such, people may have a hard time believing what they see or hear, as it could be a deepfake. In the coming years, this can affect people’s perceptions and stir distrust between them.
The Bright Side: Deepfakes as a Creative Tool
Deepfakes are like a two-sided coin. They pose multiple risks, but also introduce us to a world where anything is possible. So, don’t be surprised that reputable platforms like Slotozilla have discovered how deepfakes work and how they can be used in several industries to improve workflow and reduce costs. The table below reveals some typical examples to back up this claim:
| Niche | Use Case | Benefit |
| Entertainment | Can be used as a more innovative alternative to de-age celebrities and revive dead actors | Helps to save production time, money, and energy |
| Education | Can be used to simulate lost civilisations and historical figures | Makes the learning experience more engaging and fun for every student |
| Marketing | Can be used to create specific ads | Makes it easier for brands to sell their products and engage their customers better |
| Healthcare | Can help with voice recreations for patients with speech impediments or disorders | Can slowly restore communication ability |
| Customer Service | Deepfake avatars can act as AI-powered agents that speak and react like real humans | Improves user reaction and reduces the need for large support teams in companies |
Safety Tips on the Use of Deepfakes
Deepfakes are becoming harder to detect. They can already recreate facial structures and sound perfectly. So, how do you thrive in a world where anything can be generated? Below are tips to stay protected:
1. Control Your Information
Social media can be exciting. It allows you to share content about yourself and activities. Although it is all fun, be cautious about what you share online. You can also manage how people view and interact with your posts.
2. Be Open-Minded
Don’t take everything you see online seriously. Use your discretion and question out-of-character videos of public figures or people you know. Remember, deepfakes are becoming more realistic. Don’t hesitate to fact-check any malicious content you come across.
3. Protect Your Accounts
Ensure you use additional security measures for your social media profiles and bank accounts at all times. This includes using strong passwords, 2FA, and even biometric verification to protect your accounts. It is better to be safe than sorry.
4. Report Deepfake Crimes
It is now an established fact that deepfakes can be used to deceive people and spread false information. So, whenever you come across such on social media, report it. Doing this can prevent future misuse and protect users against impersonation, cyber attacks, and other crimes.
5. Pay Attention During Video Calls
Scammers now use deepfakes in real time to impersonate individuals during live video calls and virtual meetings. So, if you notice something awkward during video calls, like unusual delays, strange facial movements, or odd behaviour. The best thing is to end the call and verify the identity through another trusted method.
6. Detection Tools and Regulation
As deepfakes become more sophisticated, we’ll need equally advanced AI tools to detect and neutralise them. As such, now is the best time to develop deepfake detection technology. Governments and tech companies must work together to develop ethical frameworks for using deepfake technology.
7. Educate Others Around You
Many people are not aware of how dangerous deepfakes can be. So, don’t hesitate to educate people about what to watch out for. Share what you know, and build a more informed community.
Conclusion
Deepfakes are not good or bad on their own. They’re a mirror of how we choose to use them. In the right hands, they serve many creative duties and can even be life-changing. But when misused, they can cause real harm.
“In the end, deepfakes are just a tool. It’s the humans using it and the decisions we make that will determine if it’s a threat or the extra spice that makes things sweeter.”
