What Is Deepfake And Why Is It Becoming Dangerous?
What is Deepfake and why is it becoming dangerous?
The term ‘deepfake’ consists of two words—deep and fake. This term refers to combining the concepts of machine or deep learning with fake or fake content.
Deepfake is the combination of artificial images and sounds through machine learning algorithms. Various manipulations are done in media using deepfake technology. Through this, a similar artificial image or voice is created by imitating the image and voice of a real person.
Deepfake technology is similar to advanced photo editing software. Any image can be easily changed through this technology.
However, deepfake allows more manipulation of audio and video than conventional methods. For example, deepfake technology can create audio or video of people who don’t actually exist. Or it can be shown in a fake video that the words that a real person did not say, are said by him.
That means deepfake technology can also be used as a tool to spread completely false information.
Using Deepfake Technology
Any deepfake creator manipulates and creates fake content to fool the audience. Wants you to believe something is true that was never said or happened. Usually there is some motive behind it like spreading false information.
Earlier this technology was used only for special effects and animation in movies or art. But apart from these, deepfake technology is currently being used for various criminal purposes. For example:
• Scams and fraud
• Rumor spreading
• Identity theft and financial fraud
• Social Engineering
This technology has many risks. Abuse of deepfakes can pose a threat to cyber security, personal and corporate financial resources, reputation, and more. This technology can be used to commit fraud against individuals or organizations and through social media.
Corporate Scam
Deepfake technology can be used to infiltrate the corporate world in various ways. For example:
• The voice may be imitated in audio or video showing that the CEO or a senior official of an organization is talking about sending money or other illegal activities to his subordinates.
• Extortion or extortion.
• Crimes such as identity theft and financial fraud using deepfake technology.
Most of these scams are based on audio deepfakes. Audio Deepfake basically mimics the tone of the voice. Anyone can be cheated by mimicking the voice of a business partner or client.
Manipulation Through Social Media
Manipulated social media can easily mislead or excite users through false and fake posts. Deepfake makes fake news look like real news.
Using deepfake technology on social media can also create strong reactions. Let’s say, a Twitter account constantly creates heated debates by making outrageous comments on all kinds of topics. Could such a profile be a real person’s account?
probably not As can be seen, the profile pictures displayed on such Twitter accounts are completely fake. It may not be a real person. If so, then the videos shared from such accounts are also not genuine, but fake.
Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have adopted various policies to prevent deepfake abuse.
How To Detect Deepfake
Is it possible to identify any deepfake videos? Poorly crafted deepfake videos may be detectable. But detecting high-quality deepfake videos is quite difficult. Deepfakes have become more difficult to detect as technology continues to improve.
However, there are some features of DeepFake, which can help you avoid getting scammed. Let’s take a look at those features:
• Abnormal eye movements of the person or character in the video
• Eyelid failure
• Abnormal facial expressions
• Viewing one image over another
Abnormal body shape
• Abnormal hair
• Abnormal skin color
• Incongruent position of head and body
• Inconsistent head position
• Inconsistent lighting or discoloration
• Lip mitching inconsistent with words
• Voice sounds like a robot
• Digital noise in the background
• Blurred and misplaced visuals
Researchers are also developing new techniques to detect deepfakes. Various organizations are also offering financial incentives for detecting deepfakes.
So while watching any video online make sure it is from a reliable source. Only trust the information or claims from the video and share it with others after confirmation.
Basically, don’t believe everything you see and hear on the Internet. If an audio or video content sounds unbelievable to you, there’s a good chance it isn’t.