More than 50 countries, including India, will conduct elections this year. But, artificial intelligence (AI) threats like deepfake videos and voice synching might harm the reputation of good leaders.
The Impact of Deepfakes on Democracy
Deepfakes are used to manipulate attitudes, stock markets, and misinformation, threatening democracy. Deepfake films and voice synching can be used to affect public opinion, defame individuals or politicians, especially during elections, destabilize the political party, harm the politician’s image and reputation, and disrupt democracy.
Rise in Deepfake Uploads
Late 2017, almost 7,900 deepfake videos were uploaded. By early 2019, experts expect this number to nearly triple to 14,678 and rising.
Manipulation in Presidential Elections
Deepfake Bill Clinton and Joe Biden films were released to confuse voters during the presidential election.
Social Media Propagation of Deepfake Content
Social media propagated a deepfake video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ordering soldiers to surrender in their fight against Russia, sparking panic and doubt.
Government Actions Against Deepfakes
The Indian government asked X and Meta (formerly Facebook) to monitor AI-generated deepfake content. Before the Lok Sabha elections, MeitY recommended such sites to remove AI-generated deepfakes.
Challenges and Recommendations
Experts advise organizations to fight deepfake attacks. “As AI advances, it becomes imperative to manage its dual role by harnessing its capabilities to combat deepfake threats while mitigating its misuse risks,” said Quick Heal Technologies CEO Vishal Salvi.
Positive Outlook on AI for Cybersecurity
Despite its drawbacks, artificial intelligence is projected to increase cybersecurity and assist enterprises strengthen security.
Media Scrutiny and Detection Techniques
Experts advise media to carefully scrutinize deepfake content. To find such information, they suggested analyzing facial expressions and actions for unusual blinking or audio-visual discrepancies. Lip-sync and lighting/shadow manipulation should be checked. Recognize unusual backdrops and audio issues. Online deepfake detection techniques and software can detect media tampering.
