Humans believe and remember what they see because of our primal instincts to trust visual cognitive evolution. Deepfakes target exactly this primal instinct to spread misinformation and stir fear and hate in the society.

Deepfakes are pinnacle of deceit and often form a strategic part of wartime communications to keep the enemies guessing with fake online information. In the recent times, deepfakes have unmasked the uglier side of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential threat to mankind’s existence. According to a study, the social and political implications of deepfake deception are much more severe and long-lasting than verbal deception.

Weaponization of AI for manipulation of images, videos, text and objects using advanced technologies can lead to conflicts at an unprecedented scale. The thin line that differentiates fact from fiction is vanishing and the reality is hard to verify, especially when it concerns the use of Artificial Intelligence for content generation. The most recent example is of an AI-generated image of an explosion near the Pentagon. It not only garnered headlines but also had little impact on the stock market before it was immediately determined to be a hoax.

The capacity to produce very persuasive and false media content is becoming more and more accessible as artificial intelligence technology develops. Deep fakes, which encompass audio, video, and image manipulation, have the power to deceive, manipulate, and mislead both people and society at large.

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What are Deep Fakes?

Artificial intelligence (AI)-produced synthetic media known as “deep fakes” has grown to be a serious concern in recent years. These doctored movies or pictures might convincingly show people talking or doing things that they have never actually done. Deep fakes can now be produced more easily than ever thanks to advancements in AI technology, particularly in facial recognition and deep learning.

They have wide-ranging effects and may have negative outcomes. They have the capacity to erode public confidence in the media, deceive the populace, and even obstruct political processes.

Deep fakes can be employed to disseminate false information, malign people, or sway public opinion. They blur the distinction between fact and fiction, making it harder and harder to tell what is real and what is made up. Did you know that one-third of global businesses are already hit by voice and video deepfake fraud?

Understanding Deep Fakes and their Recognition

Professor Cayce Myers from the School of Communication at Virginia Tech has been researching this rapidly changing technology and offers his opinion on the future of deep fakes and how to recognize them.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to identify disinformation, particularly sophisticated AI-generated deep fake. The cost barrier for generative AI is also so low that now almost anyone with a computer and internet has access to AI.

In the coming years, Myers predicts that there will be a significant increase in the amount of textual and visual misinformation. To be able to identify this misinformation, users will need to be more media literate and astute in their ability to evaluate the veracity of any claim.

Unveiling the Enhanced Impact and Reach of Altered Videos

Despite the fact that Photoshop programs have been around for a while, according to Myers, the intricacy and volume of AI-generated deception sets it apart from their functioning.

Photoshop allows for fake images, but AI can create altered videos that are very compelling. Given that disinformation is now a widespread source of content online this type of fake news content can reach a much wider audience, especially if the content goes viral.

When it comes to combating disinformation, Myers says there are two main sources – ourselves and the AI companies.

“Examining sources, understanding warning signs of disinformation, and being diligent in what we share online is one personal way to combat the spread of disinformation,” he says. “However,  that is not going to be enough. Companies that produce AI content and social media companies where disinformation is spread will need to implement some level of guardrails to prevent the widespread disinformation from being spread.”

According to Myers, the issue is that because AI technology has advanced so quickly, it is likely that no system in place to stop the spread of false information created by AI will be 100% effective.

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The United States is trying to regulate AI at the federal, state, and even local levels.  Disinformation, discrimination, infringement on intellectual property, and privacy are just a few of the concerns that legislators are debating. Without a clear grasp of AI’s future course, lawmakers are unwilling to create a new law overseeing it. Too soon enacting restrictions could hinder the growth and development of AI while waiting too long could expose us to a wide range of potential problems. Harmonious equilibrium is a difficult thing to achieve.

The issue is that lawmakers do not want to create a new law regulating AI before we know where the technology is going. Creating a law too fast can stifle AI’s development and growth, creating one too slow may open the door for a lot of potential problems. Striking a balance will be a challenge.

Conclusion

The effects of deep fakes are extensive. They can be utilized for a variety of things, such as disinformation propagation, public opinion manipulation, reputation damage, and even inciting social and political turmoil. AI-generated deception is more sophisticated and comprehensive than traditional editing software like Photoshop, allowing the production of manipulated videos that are very captivating and hard to tell apart from real footage.

Deep fakes need to be addressed in a diverse manner. In order to more accurately assess the credibility of the visual and aural content they come across, people need to improve their media literacy abilities and adopt a critical mindset. In order to stop the spread of misinformation, it is essential to exercise caution and vigilance when viewing and sharing material online.

Deep fakes present daunting obstacles, but recent research and technology developments show promise for creating efficient detection techniques and solutions. We may work to lessen the harmful effects of deep fakes and protect the integrity of digital information by increasing media literacy, raising awareness, and using AI technology responsibly.

[To share your insights with us, please write to sghosh@martechseries.com].