What is Deepfake Technology?

Deepfake is the manipulation of facial features through deep generative methods. Deepfakes use machine learning and artificial intelligence to modify visual or audio material. From traditional entertainment to gaming, deepfake technology has rapidly evolved and become available to the masses, causing disruption in the entertainment and media industries.

The term deepfake is derived from a form of artificial intelligence (AI) called deep learning. As the name suggests, deepfakes use deep learning to generate images of fake events.

Deepfake technology

Deepfake technology is used to swap faces in videos or other digital content. Deepfakes are not limited to videos only. This technique can also be used to create fake content such as images and audio.

There are many methods for creating deep fakes. However, the most common rely on using deep neural networks that include autoencoders to implement the face-swapping technique. Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) is also a method for creating deep fakes.

Deep fakes have attracted attention for their potential use in celebrity videos, fake news, fraud, bullying, and financial fraud. Deepfake technology has rapidly evolved and become available to the public, causing disruption in the entertainment and media industries.

How to detect deepfakes?

There are several cues that humans can look for when distinguishing deepfake images from real images.

These are the following:

• Shadows around the eyes
• Abnormal blinking pattern
• Unusual glare on glasses
• Unrealistic mouth movements
• Unnatural color of lips compared to face
• Facial hair inconsistent with the face
• Unreal mole on face

Problems with deepfakes

Deepfakes are used to specifically target women and girls. It can defame any political leader or celebrity. With the help of this technology, videos of speeches that were never given can be released.