Is There a Bright Side to this Present World Where Deepfakes and MisInformation Abound?

Please welcome Zac Amos to the 21st Century Tech Blog. Zac is the Features Editor at ReHack, where he covers artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and automation. For more of his work, follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn.

In his first contribution to this site, he asks if deepfakes, which are fabricated using AI, serve a positive or negative purpose. But before you read Zac’s contribution, I thought it would be useful to understand the term “deepfake.”

I found this definition on The University of Virginia website which states that a deepfake is an artificial image, video or audio recording generated by a particular type of AI called “deep learning.” Deep learning is a type of machine learning. Why is it deep? Because deep learning uses a particular type of AI called a neural network which is a technology that emulates our multi-layered human brain.

But do we need an AI to create fake images? Haven’t we been seeing doctored images and videos on the Internet for years where humans use tools like Photoshop to produce faked results?

But I will leave the conversation on this subject to Zac to explain something he asks: can the good outweigh the bad with deepfake technology?

Deepfakes are fabricated media created using AI. In simpler terms, they’re fake videos or audio recordings that look and sound remarkably real. This technology manipulates existing footage or audio to create a new, convincing narrative.

In today’s digital age, the use of deepfakes is skyrocketing. It’s not just a technology niche curiosity anymore that shows up in mainstream media, political campaigns or on social networks. Deepfakes are invading the digital landscape raising both excitement and concern.

The Good Side of Deepfakes

As one navigates the digital frontier, the focus is often on the pitfalls of new technology like deepfakes. However, it’s time to switch gears and explore the sunny side. From transforming entertainment to empowering content creators, deepfakes offer promising benefits that merit discussion.

Entertainment Revolution

Deepfakes are changing the game in the entertainment industry, particularly in movies and TV shows. They allow filmmakers to bring characters to life in previously impossible or expensive ways. For example, the technology can de-age actors, letting them play younger versions of themselves without using CGI (computer-generated imagery).

Two deepfake examples in film include “Terminator: Dark Fate,” where the technology creates a digitally younger Arnold Schwarzenegger. Another example is the resurrection of late actors for new roles, in this case, Peter Cushing who appeared in “Star Wars: Rogue One” using the technology.

Content Creation

Deepfakes are also democratizing high-quality video creation. Gone are the days when one needed a massive budget and a team of specialists to produce convincing special effects. Now, even independent creators can utilize the technology to elevate content, making it more engaging and professional.

The result is a more vibrant and competitive digital landscape. Independent creators now have the tools to realize their creative visions without the traditional barriers to entry, ushering in a new era of innovation and diversity in content.

Training and Simulation

The technology holds great promise in professional training scenarios and educational settings. Businesses and schools can use it to create realistic simulations or role-playing exercises, offering students and trainees immersive learning experiences. For instance, medical students can interact with a deepfake patient to practice diagnosis and bedside manner providing a safe space to commit mistakes and learn.

In the corporate world, deepfakes can improve employee training modules. Imagine a deepfake CEO announcing a new policy or explaining complex procedures, making the training content more engaging and relatable. It enhances the efficacy of educational materials, making them more interactive and practical.

The Bad Side of Deepfakes

While the potential of deepfakes to enhance creativity and education is captivating, a darker narrative for this technology exists. From spreading misinformation to posing threats to personal privacy, the negative implications of the technology are just as groundbreaking as the above-described benefits.

Misinformation

Deepfakes excel at creating believable false narratives. With the ability to make anyone say or do virtually anything on camera, these manipulated videos can easily distort the truth. One alarming scenario is the potential use of deepfakes to influence public opinion.

In one instance, even a U.S. president can be a victim. The previous link is of a clip of then-Vice President Joe Biden that has been crudely manipulated to show him lolling his tongue and twitching his eyebrows.

Identity Theft

The risks of deepfakes extend beyond the public sphere and into personal security. Anyone can be targeted with just a few photos or short video clips. These types of manipulated images can create compromising or false situations that affect personal relationships.

In the corporate world, this technology when misused can be a significant threat to a company’s security. Imagine a deepfake video depicting a CEO requesting sensitive information or making dubious statements. Such deepfakes can lead to data breaches, financial loss and tarnished reputations.

Ethical Concerns

Deepfakes raise serious ethical issues, particularly regarding consent and personal boundaries. One of the most alarming is deepfake pornography where individual faces can be grafted into adult content without the knowledge or approval of that person. This blatant violation of personal privacy can lead to emotional and reputational damage with legal implications.

Virtual impersonation is another area where deepfakes can overstep ethical boundaries. Imagine someone using deepfake technology to imitate a family member or friend in a video message that requests money or shares false information. This kind of impersonation is deemed to be fraudulent.

The Social Impact and Public Response

Deepfakes are a double-edged sword. On the positive side, they are revolutionizing entertainment, democratizing high-quality content creation, and offering innovative approaches to education and training. They also, however, pose substantial risks, spreading misinformation and can not only influence elections but violate personal privacy and ethical norms.

Various solutions are emerging to mitigate deepfake risks. Technology companies are developing deepfake detection software to flag manipulated content. Governments are also considering legislation to criminalize the malicious use of deepfakes. Moreover, there is a growing public awareness to educate people to spot and report deepfakes found on the Internet.