Your Digital Identity will never be the same anymore with DeepFake

For a while I have been experimenting with Deepfake technology and here are my thoughts that can help content creators (or those that want to be content creators one day) and all companies too that wish to communicate better with their employees in a more personal way. FYI the linkedin Poll I created after launching my initial version of my digital avatar came in at 84% of people thinking its either me or so close they could not tell the difference (weirdly enough Linkedin Polls go to 101% but hey that is a newsletter for another day):

The Bright Side: A New Dawn for Content Creation

Deepfakes and Gen AI have ushered in a new era of content creation. This initial video of my digital avatar (link: (1) Post | Feed | LinkedIn ) showcases the incredible capabilities of these technologies. With the power of deepfakes, there's no longer a need for expensive studio setups, makeup artists, or even physical presence. This has several positive implications:

1. Environmental Impact: The reduced need for physical studios and on-location shooting means less travel. This can significantly decrease the carbon footprint associated with content production, contributing to a more sustainable entertainment industry.

2. Cost Efficiency: Production costs can be drastically reduced. Without the need for makeup, hair, and other associated costs, creators can produce high-quality content on a tighter budget. faster.

3. Reviving Legends: Deepfakes have the potential to bring back iconic figures from the past. Imagine watching a new movie starring Marilyn Monroe or hearing a new song from John Lennon. This technology can immortalize artists, allowing new generations to experience their magic.

The Dark Side: Ethical and Security Concerns

However, as with any powerful tool, there are potential misuses. A report from [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/actors-strikes-hollywood-artificial-intelligence-scandal/) highlights the concerns of the film industry. A-list actors like Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon have expressed concerns about AI's impact on their profession. The core issue? The potential of AI-generated actors replacing real-life actors. This isn't just a futuristic concern; it's happening now. The first big-budget Hollywood film using deepfake technology is already in production, with industry giants like Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks at the helm.

The dangers extend beyond the entertainment industry:

1. Identity Theft: Deepfakes can be used to clone individuals, leading to potential fraud. A person's voice, likeness, and mannerisms can be replicated, making it challenging to distinguish between real and fake.

2. Misinformation: In an era of "fake news," deepfakes can be weaponized to spread false information, potentially influencing public opinion and even election outcomes.

3. Consent Issues: As highlighted by Sag-Aftra’s president Fran Drescher, there's a need for contracts that protect actors from having their identity and talent exploited without their consent or pay.

4. Who owns your digital identity? In this interview (link: (153) will.i.am Opens Up: Depression, Creativity & ADHD! - YouTube ) Will.i.am discusses on The Diary Of A CEO podcast interview with Steven Bartlett his concerns around this topic (from 1h 3mins to 1h 12mins):

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Deepfakes and Gen AI undoubtedly offer exciting possibilities for content creation. They can democratize the industry, allowing more creators to produce high-quality content without the associated high costs. Moreover, the environmental benefits cannot be overlooked.

However, the potential misuse of this technology is a genuine concern. The entertainment industry is already grappling with the implications, and as the technology becomes more accessible, the risks will likely increase.

The Future Landscape

The industries most poised for disruption by deepfakes and Gen AI include entertainment, news media, and even education. Imagine virtual professors teaching courses or AI-generated news anchors delivering daily updates.

However, with this evolution comes the responsibility to establish robust ethical guidelines and regulations. As deepfakes become more prevalent, industries must prioritize transparency, ensuring that audiences can distinguish between real and AI-generated content.

In conclusion, or at least my own personal conclusion, I think deepfake and GenAi are an incredible combination of technologies that can drastically improve how content is delivered. It could create new jobs and give people the opportunity to disseminate their stories, education, training, messages more consistently, faster and cheaper. With something as disruptive as this it will undoubtedly (and has already started) to disrupt, meanwhile expect a lot more strikes. However when "more creative people" start to realise the power this brings them, I think the entertainment, education and information industry will drastically grow and improve because of this.

If you enjoyed this newsletter please don't forget to subscribe:?https://www.dhirubhai.net/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=705746432691109068