Deepfake technology is evolving at an alarming pace, leading to a sense of unease among the masses. Celebrities and politicians find themselves appearingin videos and saying things they never really said. Let’s try and understand the facts behind these deepfakes and how they are being used.
Deepfakes are created by manipulating facial expressions or appearances by using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. In simple words, fake videos created digitally, using AI and machine learning are called deepfakes. They are difficult to spot as they seem quite convincing.
Deepfakes can be made in aboth audio and video forms that are usually used to deceive viewers into believing a false happening.
Deepfakes have a strong ethical implication and its benefits and negative impacts have been a topic for debate for several years. Images and videos can be manipulated in several ways and researchers need to stay updated about this technology to mitigate any attempts of harmful applications by other people. The threat inherent in this powerful technology is real and is increasing with each new development as they can be used to cause religious as well as political tensions between different countries, to manipulate electionn campaigns, creating chaos in financial sector by speading fake news and many other ways.
How are Deepfakes created?
Deepfakes are created using Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. In order to create deepfake videos, the creator observes the real image or video minutely from all angles and lighting conditions for hours at a stretch. After getting a realistic understanding of the person’s appearance, the trained network is merged with computer graphics to superimpose an image on the real one. The programs’s parameters have to be tweaked to give it a realistic look.
Areas where Deepfakes are constructively used
Entertainment
Youtubers and entertainers are using artificial intelligence methods to create interesting content. Audio storytelling and story narration can be done using synthetic voice-overs.
Education
Deepfakes can help a teacher in making lessons more engaging. For example, historical figures can be brought to life to explain facts.
Art
Deepfakes can be used to democratize the expensive VFX technology
Gaming Industry
AI generated graphics and images are being used in developing video games.
Many laws and rules have been framed to keep the misuse of deepfakes in check but a lot needs to be done to ensure they are strictly adhered to.
Destructive Applicatins of Deepfakes
Identity Fraud
Images can be superimposed to spoil the image of celebrities and politicians leading to serious consequences.
Corporate Frauds
Fraudsters use audio deepfakes to call customers and persuade theme to make financial transactions.
Scams/Extortion
Manipulated audios and videos can be used to extort money from companies. Attackers threaten to make these videos viral to spoil the company’s name and image.
Fake News/Information
Fake information is sometimes spread using AI to deceive people and disrupt social and political activities.
Bullying
Instances where fake videos have gone viral and people involved are bullyed or blackmailed are quite common nowadays.
Conclusion
Like any other technology, deepfakes have their own pros and cons. Synthetic media created using artificial intelligence provides fantastic opportunites in the field of art, expression and public safety. However, the risk of exploitation can not be ignored. Looking at the current scenario, the need to make better policies and guidelines should be our topmost priority.
