Deepfake is a technology for creating synthetic media in digital form using deep learning techniques, such as deep neural networks. The word deepfake comes from “Deep Learning “ and “Fake”.
Deepfake is a technology that allows us to digitally manipulate a person’s image in a video to look like any other person. Deepfakes are created using a combination of various techniques such as Machine learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Computer graphics.
The process of Deepfake generally began with training Deep earning models in large numbers of datasets to perfectly manipulate the video to the appearance of the person the Deepfake will be used upon. The model learns the facial expression, mannerisms and other distinctive features of the person deepfake will be used upon using the dataset provided. Thus after being trained, the Model can mimic the appearance of the target.
Deepfake is a technological marvel that can be used In favor of the people or it can also cause chaos when used in the wrong hands.
Problems caused by Deepfake Technology
Deepfakes are emerging as a new problem for society as they are being used in a way which is begun to harm the image of people by making them seem to do things they never did. Some of the Problems created due to the misuse of deep fake are :
- Misinformation: Deepfakes are now becoming a major source for creating misinformation about something or someone to harm their reputation or image in society. This is done by creating fake news or videos of the person in question and spreading them in such a way that they seem real to ordinary people.
- Reputation Damage: Deepfake can make people do things in a fake video that other people may not be able to perceive that it is fake. This activity has often caused harm to the image and reputation of the celebrities in question.
- Identity Theft: Deepfake can be used to easily perform identity theft of a perform by making them say or do things in video that they never did.
- Monetary Scam: Scammers have begun using deepfake scams where they are scamming people by posing as victims, friends, or family in the video and asking them to send funds that they need due to some emergency. Victims often believe these scams, thinking they are helping their friends or family, but instead, they are sending money to the scammers’ accounts.
- Revenge Porn: Deepfake is now being used to create fake pornographic videos by featuring someone without their consent. This is generally done to bring down the said person’s reputation.
Viral Cases of Deepfakes
The problem of deepfakes is growing day by day, and sometimes media outlets are also unable to tell whether the video spreading is true or false, thus creating a chain or spreading of false information bout the victim.
A few days ago, Some famous Bollywood actresses’ videos came into the news, which were debunked by them as being deepfakes, thus proving the seriousness of the misuse of deepfake videos. One such actress was Rashmika Mandanna whose deepfake video went viral without her permission.
Below is the photo in which we can see the original and the deep fake video.
Rashmika also gave her response by saying ” I feel hurt to share this and have to talk about the deepfake video of me being spread online. Something like this is honestly extremely scary not only for me but also for each one of us who today is vulnerable to so much harm because of how technology is being misused. Today, as a woman and as an actor, I am thankful for my family, friends, and well-wishers who are my protection and support system. But if this happened to me when I was in school or college, I genuinely can’t imagine how could I ever tackle this. We need to address this as a community and with urgency before more of us are affected by such identity theft.”
Another Famous actress Kajol’s Deepfake video was also seen going viral on the internet the previous week that too was without her permission. One other case of India’s Prime Minister Modi’s Deepfake was seen floating on the internet where he can be seen Dancing during a celebration. Prime Minister Modi described the threat of Deepfake as one “Biggest threats to the society”.
In conclusion, Deepfakes are a growing problem for society which if not controlled can cause long-term harm to the welfare and wellbeing of society. By developing effective detection tools and by promoting media literacy, we can work toward a future where authenticity remains the cornerstone of digital interaction.
Here’s a video from Aperture explaining some of the serious Problems being faced by celebrities and actresses due to deepfake content .