Deepfakes can be used for manipulation and many other things by producing content that is driven by AI and machine learning. These technologies produce lifelike images and films that are nearly impossible for humans to recognize. Furthermore, a lot of scammers are using this advanced technology for fraud and scams. Online deepfakes are mostly used to hurt people and ruin their reputations by concealing their true selves. Furthermore, the technology has advantages, which is why it is becoming more and more well-known with time. Also, to mitigate the effects of harmful deepfakes, there are numerous deepfake detection software that can help neutralize the consequences.
Types of Deepfakes
Deepfakes can be categorized into two main types. These can be images and videos as well. Video deepfakes are created by altering the faces or the bodies of the targeted person pretending to be someone else. These are often used for creating celebrity deepfakes and spreading misinformation using political deepfakes.
Moreover, the voice can also be mimicked. It can make deepfakes of targeted people saying what they never actually said. For instance, there are several deepfake videos circulated on social media platforms of a celebrity Tom Cruise in 2021. They have particularly gone viral on TikTok.
Impact of Deepfakes on the Society
Growing deepfakes are raising issues of trust and truth within society. The capacity to create false narratives is spreading disinformation, particularly about political figures. These can be easily used to harm reputations of the well-known figures and manipulate public opinions about them. Besides, these can also contribute to impersonation, cyberbullying, and blackmailing people for financial gain.
Preventing Negative Usage of the Technology
It is crucial to prevent the growth of deepfake attacks as soon as possible. However, this task is quite challenging in the realm of cybersecurity. In addition, as security measures and detection tools are emerging, so are the deepfakes. The creators and trying to use sophisticated tools to create unidentifiable deepfakes. There are numerous deepfake detection technologies that are aimed at neutralizing the effect of fake media such as:
- AI-based detectors are used to analyze inconsistencies in videos and audio.
- Techniques like digital forensics are used to explore the integrity of the digital media.
- Blockchain technology is used to verify the authenticity of the content through immutable digital watermarks.
- Tools for identity protection are used to protect personas from exploitation.
Acceptable Uses of Deepfakes
Apart from the malicious uses of deepfake technology, it is also utilized for entertainment purposes. These purposes include:
- Historical Recreations
Deepfake technology is used to bring back to life historical figures by creating animations of their pictures, videos, and paintings. This technique is useful to educate pupil and make them aware of how these historical figures used to speak and live their lives to make storytelling more engaging.
- Media and Film Industry
This technology is widely used in the film industry for de-aging actors. It can also be used to portray unrealistic scenarios and explosion scenes in movies. Besides, it can also used to bring back the deceased actors in movies such as Paul Walker in Fast and Furious.
- Mimicries
Deepfake technology can also be used for parodies. There are many TV shows or comedy shows that have used the faces and the voices of some political leaders to make fun. In this manner, the well-known figures are made to say something that they never actually said or did in their lives.
- Video Games
The technology can be used to make scenarios realistic. There are non-playable characters in video games as well that are given realistic expressions to enhance storytelling and creativity. For instance, in fighting games, when a non-playable character is shot then the deadly expressions and the voice can be observed.
Conclusion
Hence, it is essential to realize that just because technology is developing, it does not necessarily mean that it might be utilized maliciously. However, the goal of technical breakthroughs is to speed up and simplify difficult activities. Additionally, people will probably find new ways to make better use of this technology. It is already widely utilized in animation, video games, films, and other media. Raising awareness about the proper and improper use of technology is crucial to preventing fraud and criminal activity. Implementing liveness detection can help distinguish real users from AI-generated deepfakes, reducing the risk of misuse. It should also be illegal to create deepfakes without permission. It is critical to take into account both the potential positive effects of technology and the potential negative effects and establish sophisticated deepfake detection online tools to prevent these injection attacks.
