The danger of fakes in today’s world?
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is accompanied not only by admiration, but also by fears. In addition to the new possibilities of artificial intelligence technology, new methods of deception and manipulation have also been discovered. Fake images and videos, professional misconduct and fraud are a growing threat to the world and a growing concern.
Global risks to the economy, facilitating the spread of total automation of artificial intelligence is already a powerful tool for harm. But beyond that, AI can have a significant impact on reputation, obtaining funds through fraud, influencing elections, and spreading misinformation. What threats does the digital mind bring to humanity and what can be done to protect against them?
The most well-known technology in the possibilities of disinformation thanks to artificial intelligence is deepfake. Fake photos and videos are spreading on the Internet more and more often. It is expected to have a significant impact on information warfare, media work and political struggle.
The danger of a deepfake is that it is not just a change of face and voice. You can also make body movements, manipulate facial expressions (lips, eyes, etc.). The technology is based on a generative-competitive neural network. Part of its algorithm learns from real photos and videos, competing with another part of the algorithm until it can no longer distinguish a copy from the original.
It is not difficult to forge photo, video and audio files today. There are enough applications on the network that will help you make a deepfake easily. For example, FaceApp Deepfakes web, Reface, etc. However, to create a high-quality “deep fake” you need to have skills, and often money. Today, this craft is dominated by visual content studios and technical and scientific institutions. Deepfake was also used by the special services of some countries. Let’s recall at least the case of dictator Putin’s “transparent” microphone during one of his speeches.
How dangerous are fake photos?
The danger of fakes in the modern world. Deepfakes are increasingly used by fraudsters. For example, in 2019, a fake LinkedIn profile of the so-called Katie Jones established connections with US officials and other influential people. The photo of a non-existent girl was created by artificial intelligence, most likely for espionage purposes.
The profile noted that she had worked for years at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., and had a degree from the University of Michigan. Such data strengthened the credibility of Jones, so most officials had no doubts about whether to add the profile to their contact list.
Deepfakes are often used as a political tool to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in government institutions, politicians and the media, especially before elections.
So, for example, in South Korea, a former prosecutor almost won the presidential election, when his supporters, in order to attract young voters, created a deepfake copy of the politician who answered political questions. Although the creators did not hide that the video was a fake, it is not clear from the comments on social networks whether all voters were aware of this.
Deepfake technology is a potential threat to society because it can:
- Create security risks by allowing identity theft, fraud or cyber attacks
- Spread misinformation and fake news that can influence public opinion, undermine democracy and cause social unrest.
- Violate privacy and consent by using personal data without permission and creating images of sexual assault, blackmail or harassment.
- Damage reputation and trust by impersonating or disparaging other persons, organizations or brands.
The author of the material is Evelina Raisi
