Deep Fake

Context:

AI-generated fake videos (or deep fakes) are becoming more common and convincing. These videos have become one of the key weapons used in propaganda battles for quite some time now.

What is deep fake?

• Deep Fakes are called so because they use deep learning technology, a branch of Artificial intelligence that applies neural network simulation to large data sets, to create fake videos.
• Using this technology, a person’s head movements and expressions, etc are transferred onto some other person’s video in such a way that it becomes difficult to tell that it is a deep fake unless one closely observes the source media file.
• Here the AI learns what a source face looks like and then transposes it onto another target to perform a face swap seamlessly.

How are deepfakes detected currently?

• Currently, deep fakes are identified manually or by software, using some identifiers like
• Flicking, blur with bleeding color, etc. in poorly produced deep fake videos
• Unusual eye blinking pattern in deep fake videos
• Using markers known as “soft biometrics” of a person i.e., his/her eyebrow movements, lip movements, etc.

What are the threats posed by deep fakes?

• Can lead to a new type of Warfare
• Can undermine Democracy
• A high-quality deepfake can create false information.
• Deep fakes can become an effective tool to induce polarization, amplify division in society, and suppress dissent.
• Can be used for targeting women
• Can cause damage to personal reputation
• Can be used for financial and other frauds

How to counter deep fakes?

• Technological Interventions
• Media Authentication
• Media provenance
• Deep fake detection
• Increased public awareness and behavioral change in society
• Proper Regulation