Can You Spot a Deepfake?
Have you heard about AI generated images and “deepfakes”? You might be wondering: what exactly is a “deepfake”? How can a computer make such realistic fake photos, videos, and sound bites, and why?
What is a Deepfake?
Deepfakes are photos, videos, or audio that are ‘faked’ using sophisticated digital tools. A deepfake might look like a real person, use a celebrity’s voice or face, or generate a very natural-looking fake person. Here’s an example of an early deepfake based off of Anderson Cooper’s face and voice:
The technology behind deepfakes can be used in many ways – both good and bad. Deepfakes can be used for fraud, scams, exploitation, impersonation, and extortion. Learn more here: https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/fraud/fraud-protection/ai-scams-deep-fakes-impersonations-oh-my
Tips for Spotting Deepfakes
So how can you spot a deepfake? Many sophisticated deepfakes may be difficult or impossible to detect to the naked eye, but a less polished deepfake may have suspicious details:
Also, consider the context and credibility of videos, posts, or news items. The Illinois State University has a mnemonic called “SIFT” – STOP, INVESTIGATE the source, FIND better or trusted coverage, TRACE claims, quotes and media back to the original context – to help you think about how credible something you see online might be. Read more: https://guides.library.illinoisstate.edu/evaluating/sift
How Are Deepfakes Made, and Why Do They Matter?
Independent journalist Johnny Harris made a video explaining some of the technology behind deepfakes and their uses – both positive and negative.
How You Can Help Researchers Protect Us From Deepfakes
Many businesses and researchers are trying to figure out either how to protect people from deepfakes or how to create better deepfakes. In the name of science, and because I wanted to know how well I’d do, I participated in the online research being done at Northwestern University. The experiment shows you images and asks you whether you think an image is a real photograph, or an “AI-generated” image.
I did more poorly than average. Sometimes I was too suspicious - and sometimes, not suspicious enough. I’m still participating because now that I’ve learned more about how to spot a deepfake, I want to hone my skills. If you want to give it a try, click this link. https://detectfakes.kellogg.northwestern.edu/
Helpful Tools
Sensity AI-powered all in one deepfake detection platform.
Operation Minerva Using technology to defend victims of deepfake porn.
Deepfake-O-Meter University of Buffalo, State University of New York - A free, open platform detecting Deepfake image, video and audio files.
Norton Genie All in One scam detector.
McAfee Deepfake Detector AI-generated audio detector.
VERIFY - a free website dedicated to determining truth of any claim – Check out their article on identifying post-storm home contractor scams! https://www.verifythis.com/article/news/verify/scams-verify/how-to-spot-a-post-storm-home-contractor-scam/536-1e076da8-1cfc-45fb-8e8c-659685fd1162
Next Steps
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