An online deepfake video uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make video manipulation as realistic as possible. To create an online deepfake video requires a substantial amount of data where the AI system can learn and simulate the human face expressions, characteristics, and movements. The term deepfake derives from the two words - Deep learning and Fake. Deep learning refers to AI that thinks and makes decisions like humans while fake refers to manipulation or bluffing. With deepfake technology, actors or public figures can have their faces swapped for someone else’s using different videos or images. It is an example of photorealistic animation, which renders static images look alive and can imitate conversations.
The Risks and Dangers of Online Deepfake Video Creation
Online Deepfake video poses an enormous threat to personal reputation and privacy. Once it is published on the internet, it is difficult to control its circulation, and it could have long-lasting adverse consequences. In politics or other high profile individuals, deepfakes can harm reputations by spreading false information, creating confusion in public perception, and generating propaganda.
Deepfakes can also be used as tools for harassment and defamation. Unfortunately, we have seen many online incidents where women have been the victims of harassment, cyberbullying, and revenge pornography. A deepfake can be created using a woman's photo and placing them in a pornographic video without their consent. It is used to harass or blackmail the victim. This kind of behavior comes with legal repercussions.
Another risk of online deepfakes is the risk of fraud. For example, attackers could generate fake videos of government officials or high-profile executives, where they announce changes to policies or announce new strategies. In this way, online deepfakes can cause political, economic, and social instability.
Protection from online Deepfakes
While it’s not always possible to prevent online deepfakes, there are some steps individuals and organizations can take to protect against these risks. One solution is to employ a technology called ‘Verification by Trust.’ The technique involves working with a trustworthy source to verify the legitimacy of an image or video. It can be a human or an AI-powered verification system that will verify the authenticity of the content presented.
Another strategy is to use digital watermarking that can help verify the veracity of the video or photographs. In a way, it can also act as an indicator that the image is authentic. It is a technique that embeds metadata into the image or video giving more details concerning the creator and the source of the content. Digital watermarking can't prevent the creation of deepfake videos from scratch, but it can help identify when an original photo or video has been altered.
Furthermore, ensuring that all images and videos are stored securely can also help prevent the creation of deepfakes. Individuals or organizations should safeguard all access points, such as email accounts or cloud storage, and ensure the best password practices.
Safeguarding Companies from Deepfake Videos
For companies that are susceptible to deepfake videos, there are some necessary measures that can be taken to avoid this risk. First, companies should implement policies that restrict access to sensitive material and educate employees on social engineering tactics.
Limiting access to sensitive personal data, canceling unnecessary policies such as enabling facial recognition to activate systems or limiting access to cameras or microphones on the company’s machines, can also be helpful.
Organizations should have a clear internal-policy concerning deep fakes, which is implemented company-wide. The policy should include information about how to identify deepfakes, steps to take when encountering such content, how to report this content, and guidelines for sharing content through official channels.
Conclusion
Online deepfake videos have the potential to do significant harm. It’s imperative that organizations and individuals alike educate themselves on the potential risks of online deepfake video creation.
By utilizing verification techniques like digital watermarking, applying best password strategies, and keeping data access on a need-to-know-basis, companies and individuals can help mitigate the effects of deepfakes.
The technology and methods for creating deepfakes are advancing every day, and the risks of digital forgery are becoming greater. As a society, we must be vigilant and educate ourselves on how to mitigate the effects of this new technology.
We urge everyone always to stay informed about this subject and follow best practices to prevent it. Together we can use technology positively rather than negatively and continue to enjoy the fruits of our amazing technological advances without fear!