AI technology: is it real or deepfake?

Artificial Intelligence: Asa Margetts, IJYI

One of the most striking examples of this is the rise of deepfake technology, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI).

Using sophisticated software, deepfake technology allows people to create highly realistic but entirely fake videos and images.

At IJYI, I recently explored this technology using easily available, free deepfake software. Within just a few hours, I managed to get AI to learn my face and swap it with Superman’s in a scene from the movie ‘Justice League’. It felt surreal to see myself as Superman (although pretty cool), and yet it looked so convincing.

This technology offers many exciting possibilities – imagine being able to create educational content where historical figures come to life or where actors can portray any character effortlessly.

However, it also raises serious concerns about privacy and security. The ability to manipulate images and videos so convincingly means that anyone could potentially create a fake video and clone you using publicly available images or videos on the internet. This can lead to misinformation, identity theft, reputational damage, and other harmful activities such as political and election tampering.

Recently, I read an article about a finance professional at a multinational bank who thought he was seeing and speaking to his chief financial officer. He was actually speaking with a real-time deepfake, which tricked him into transferring money as part of a social engineering attack.

Guarding your identity

As deepfake technology continues to evolve, it becomes even more important to stay informed about its capabilities and potential threats. Detecting these fakes can be challenging, but there are tools and techniques designed to help identify manipulated media.

Given the potential misuse, keeping your personal data safe is crucial. Be mindful of the images and videos you share publicly and consider restricting posts to private groups or secure logins. Use reputable platforms that prioritise security when sharing personal information, and only use known websites or services. Above all, be cautious of unsolicited requests for images or videos, as criminals often pose as legitimate users to gather data for malicious purposes. Spotting and reporting suspicious requests is vital, as is understanding how platforms respond to take down requests.

In summary

While showcasing the incredible potential of modern AI, this technology also serves as a reminder of the importance of privacy and security. Being careful about what we share publicly and taking steps to protect our personal information allows us to stay safe. Remember, your personal data is one of your most valuable assets – protect it wisely.

The Superman image shown above is a deepfake image, which was created for educational purposes to demonstrate the capabilities and ethical implications of deepfake technology. The original clip is from ‘Justice League’, and all rights are owned by Warner Bros. This use is intended for non-commercial, educational commentary, and analysis.