In the digital information age, artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled surprising manipulation of images, videos, and audio. This advancement has given rise to deepfakes, which impresses its realism but raises ethical and safety concerns.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Deepfakes, what exactly is that?” here’s what they are, how they work, and most importantly, how you can spot them.
What are deepfakes?
The term “deepfake” comes from the combination of two words: “deep learning” and “fake”. It refers to media content manipulated using artificial intelligence algorithms, specifically deep neural networks, to create a highly realistic version of something that didn’t happen.
In other words, deepfakes allow you to change faces, voices, or even movements in videos and audio, making it seem that a person said or did something that never happened. For example, you might see a celebrity singing a song they never performed or a politician giving a fake speech.
How do deepfakes work?
Deepfake AI is generated using advanced deep learning technologies. This involves training the AI with large amounts of data, such as images, videos, and audio of a person so that the machine learns to replicate their gestures, tone of voice, and facial expressions.
This process uses techniques such as GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks), which pit two neural networks against each other: one generates fake content, and the other evaluates its authenticity, improving the result with each iteration.
Thanks to tools accessible on the Internet, creating fake images has become easier. In the past, creating a deepfake required advanced programming skills and expensive equipment, but today, anyone with access to certain applications can generate a manipulated video.
Why are deepfakes dangerous?
Now that you know what deepfakes are and how they work, we must emphasize that although this technology has positive applications, such as in the entertainment, education, or marketing industry, its dark side is undeniable. Deepfakes have been used to spread fake news, impersonate identities, and even extort people.
Impact on society
- Spreading disinformation. Deepfakes have become perfect tools for disinformation campaigns. Manipulating a video to make someone believe something fake is true can have serious consequences, especially during elections or social crises.
- Reputational damage. A fake image or video can ruin the reputation of a public figure or any individual, affecting their personal and professional lives.
- Cyberbullying and fraud. Deepfakes have been used to create non-consensual content or to trick people into fraudulent activities.
The 5 steps to detect a deepfake
Although they are becoming more and more realistic, deepfakes are not infallible. A few tricks exist to identify these fake images and protect yourself from deception.
- Notice the details of the face: Deepfakes often fail in subtle aspects, such as eye blinking, lip-syncing, or natural eyebrow movement. If a video seems strange, pay attention to these details.
- Analyze the audio: In manipulated audio, the intonation and rhythm of speech can sound mechanical or unnatural. Listen carefully if something doesn’t fit.
- Look for inconsistencies in lighting: errors in shadows or reflections are usually common in deepfakes. It is likely false if the face’s lighting does not match the environment.
- Use specialized tools: Currently, platforms are designed to analyze whether a video or image has been manipulated. Cybersecurity tools such as Deepware Scanner or InVID can help verify the authenticity of the content.
- Trust official sources: Verify the information with reliable sources before believing dubious content. In many cases, deepfakes are designed to manipulate you emotionally and provoke immediate reactions.
What to do if you find a deepfake
If you suspect you have found a deepfake, the first thing to do is not share it. Spreading false content, even without malicious intent, can contribute to the problem. Instead, report it on the appropriate platforms or notify the affected person if possible.
In addition, implementing cybersecurity policies and conducting training on deepfake detection can make a difference in corporate environments.
How can we help you at Enthec?
At Enthec, we know the challenges deepfakes pose to individuals. We provide cyber surveillance solutions for people who detect and prevent digital manipulation.
The impact of deepfakes is real, but with the right solutions, you can stay one step ahead. Contact us and protect what matters most: your credibility and security.
In a world where making someone believe something false is true has become so simple, prevention and knowledge are your best allies. Don’t let deepfakes fool you: identify, protect, and take action
Trust Enthec to keep you safe in the digital environment.