Keeping it Real: How to Spot a Deepfake
In an era where technological advancements have made it possible to create convincing virtual clones of individuals in mere minutes, distinguishing between what is real and what is fabricated has never been more critical. Deepfakes, synthetic media generated using artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate images, videos, audio, and even text, have emerged as a significant concern, with the potential for causing extensive social, financial, and personal damage.
Deepfake technology, which employs deep learning algorithms to mimic human attributes and behaviors, has seen significant advancements. This technology can manipulate specific aspects of footage, such as mouth movements, to create convincing videos of individuals saying or doing things they never did. The recent boom in generative AI has led to the development of more sophisticated deepfake capabilities, enabling the creation of highly realistic content from scratch.
Dr. Sharif Abuadbba, a cybersecurity expert, highlights the rapid evolution of deepfake technology. “Just a year ago, this technology was within the reach of only skilled hackers and experts. Today, anyone with a smartphone or computer can generate deepfakes, raising significant concerns about their potential misuse,” he explains.
Why Do People Make Deepfakes?
Unfortunately, a significant portion of deepfakes targets women, often for use in non-consensual pornography. However, the application of deepfakes extends beyond this, with instances of election tampering, identity fraud, scam attempts, and the spread of fake news becoming increasingly common. Such manipulations have already shown their capability to cause real-world consequences, including destabilizing stock markets with forged images or videos.
In a collaborative effort, researchers, including those from Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, have amassed the most extensive and diverse dataset of deepfakes to date. This dataset, comprising 2,000 deepfakes sourced from various platforms across different languages, has revealed a worrying trend in the growth of deepfakes used for entertainment, political manipulation, and fraud.
Spotting Deepfakes
As deepfakes become more integrated into our digital feeds, recognizing them becomes increasingly vital. Dr. Kristen Moore shares key indicators that can help identify a deepfake. “In videos, check if the audio syncs with lip movements. Look for inconsistent blinking, unusual shadows, or facial expressions that do not match the spoken emotional tone,” she advises.
Deepfakes created using diffusion models might betray themselves through subtle asymmetries, such as mismatched earrings or disproportionate hands. Similarly, for face-swapped deepfakes, there might be discernible blending points or inconsistencies at the hairline.
Despite these techniques, the rapid advancements in generative AI mean that spotting deepfakes may soon become a task for only the most highly trained experts. “We encourage a healthy skepticism towards content online and advise verifying information against trusted sources,” Dr. Moore adds.
Combatting Deepfakes
Cybersecurity researchers are developing digital strategies to combat deepfake threats, including watermarking authentic content and refining AI-powered detection systems. Nevertheless, a foolproof method to detect deepfakes reliably is still in development.
For public figures, preventing deepfakes might be an insurmountable challenge due to the vast amount of publicly available images and videos. However, the general public can take precautionary measures. Making social profiles private and limiting the online availability of personal images can offer some protection. “If someone does create a deepfake of you, having a private profile significantly increases the chances of identifying the assailant,” explains Dr. Shahroz Tariq.
Organizations, particularly those in industries prone to deepfake exploitation, must be proactive in addressing this emerging threat. “Industries such as news, entertainment, and banking, are especially vulnerable. We’re eager to collaborate on solutions to this growing problem,” Sharif concludes.
The landscape of digital content is undergoing a transformation, with deepfakes presenting both a technical challenge and a threat to authenticity. As this technology evolves, staying informed and vigilant is paramount. By recognizing the signs of a deepfake and understanding its implications, we can better navigate the complexities of our increasingly digital world.
