Cyber News #9 - Exploring the Depths of Deepfake

DeepFake, a term derived from “Deep Learning” and “Fake”, is an artificial intelligence technique that allows you to create fake videos and audios, in which it is possible to manipulate and replace faces, voices and even gestures of a person with others, in a different way, "almost" imperceptible way.

Technology has advanced to such an extent that the creation of these videos and audios, however they are, can deceive even the most experienced people, as they are extremely convincing.

How it works

The #DeepFake technique consists of deep learning algorithms, also known as artificial neural networks, that examine and learn from large amounts of data.

In simple terms, a deep learning model is trained on a set of images or videos originating from someone, and then uses those elements to produce a #digital representation of that person.

This digital representation can then be used to generate new media content, such as videos, where the original person is placed in different settings or situations, without ever having actually been there.

There are numerous ways to create DeepFakes, but one of the most common is the use of adversarial generative neural networks, called GANs. A GAN is based on two neural networks which are:

• The generator: The one that generates media content;
• The discriminator: The one that evaluates the veracity of that content.

Both #networks work together to produce media content that is indistinguishable from legitimate content.

As much as DeepFake #technology has potential active uses, such as special effects for movies and videos, it is also used maliciously to spread false information and deceive anyone.

Some risks

While DeepFake has many positive applications such as creating entertainment or advertising content, it also poses a number of risks, such as:

• Harassment: To simulate that an individual is involved in illegal or inappropriate activities, intimidated and being harassed.
• Defamation: Someone being defamed based on audio or video that may show them in a certain compromising situation.
• Financial Fraud: A person can be falsely identified in a surveillance video or in a financial transaction, that way the act of committing fraud is easier to happen.
• Political manipulation: Influencing elections or political campaigns. For example, a DeepFake is created to make a candidate look incompetent or to spread such fake news.
• Privacy: Violation of someone's privacy by appearing in photos and videos that were not authorized to be shared.

How to Protect Yourself

The creation and distribution of DeepFakes is illegal in some countries, especially in the matter of defamation, institutions and people harmed. The contents end up being used to spread disinformation, in addition to manipulated information and the damage is irreparable.

It's important to pay attention and know how to protect yourself. Below are the measures to be taken in this matter:

1. Know the warning signs: Some things can indicate that a video is DeepFake, such as unnatural facial movements, audio or video misalignment, inconsistent light source, among others.
2. Use DeepFakes detection technology: There are several options of detection tools available, such as #DeepTrace and #Sensity. They must be used for verification and authenticity of the content when receiving an image, video or audio that denote distrust.
3. Check the source: Before sharing any subject, check if the source is reliable and if what is being said is authentic.
4. Be aware of content that looks perfect: DeepFakes are created to simulate reality and be extremely exemplary, but if there are suspicions, it means there are chances of being fake.
5. Be aware of the legal implications: Creating and spreading DeepFakes without the authorization of the people involved is strictly prohibited. Keep this in mind before taking such action which will result in manipulated content.
6. Educate yourself on the subject, including others: Learn about the dangers of DeepFakes and learn how to recognize and thus avoid them.
7. Develop a critical sense: Check the source, research the story, and analyze other true sources that corroborate the information in order to assess the veracity of the matter before sharing.

Possible Regulations

There are concerns about how technology can be regulated in order to protect the #integrity of information. Some of the possible forms of regulation include:

• Improving detection technologies: Researchers are working on technologies to recognize DeepFakes and know when images or videos are fake. Technologies that can be used to help individuals discover misleading information and preserve its probity.
• International Collaboration: DeepFake regulation is an international issue as the technology is used anywhere in the world. So international collaboration helps to set global standards and limit the misuse of this technology.
• Education: Public education can help people better understand what DeepFakes are and how they can be used to tamper with information. Education also helps raise awareness of the dangers of these technologies and how individuals should protect themselves against them.
• Government Regulation: Governments regulate the use of DeepFakes, requiring them to be clearly designated as fakes, and prohibiting them from intending to deceive or harm. The companies that produce and sell this technology may also be regulated.

DeepFake regulation is an important and ever-evolving topic. It takes a collaborative effort by governments, institutions and researchers to protect the integrity of information and limit the misuse of this technology.

DeepFake expresses risks and challenges for #society. Therefore, measures must be imposed to limit their use in inappropriate ways, in addition to the development of effective detection tools for them to be recognized.

Extras

Below are some practically "perfect" DeepFake videos, if you didn't know about it, would you know if it's true or not?

DeepFake technology is a powerful tool that can be used for good or ill. Society must be prepared to deal with the consequences of its use and that measures are adopted to minimize risks and negative impacts.

Did you already know Deepfake? Leave your comments below and don't forget to like our content!