The emergence of such technology has made it easy for both supporters and opponents of the former president to create fake images of him in handcuffs, indicating an indictment related to a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Deepfakes are manipulated images or videos created using AI and machine learning that can convince an unsuspecting viewer that the content is real. The technology has been used previously to create convincing videos of public figures saying things they never actually said.
The potential for deepfakes to sow chaos and disinformation has been discussed for years, with many experts warning of the potential damage that these fake videos and images could cause. But now, it appears that deepfakes are not just being used to spread propaganda, but also to create what one source called “anticipatory disinformation.”
Joan Donovan, a Harvard University researcher and author of the book Meme Wars, spoke to The Daily Beast about the rise of deepfakes and their potential impact on society. “Unfortunately, these tools for creating realistic images are very useful for hoaxing the public,” she said. “We are witnessing a new form of ‘anticipatory disinformation,’ where rumors are made into reality through the creation of media covering events that never happened.”
The world is already grappling with the challenges posed by disinformation campaigns, fake news, and propaganda, and deepfakes have added another layer to the mix. The ability to create convincing images and videos of events that never occurred means that the public can be manipulated in ways that were previously impossible.
One potential impact of deepfakes is the erosion of trust in the media. If deepfake images and videos become prevalent, it may be difficult for people to believe what they see and hear in the news. This could lead to a further breakdown in trust and have serious implications for democracy.
Another concern is that deepfakes could be used to spread fear and panic. Images and videos of terrorist attacks or natural disasters that never happened could be created and shared online, causing widespread panic and alarm.
So what can be done to combat the rise of deepfakes? In the short term, there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce their impact. One option is to increase public awareness of the issue, so that people are more skeptical of images and videos that appear to be suspicious or out of context.
Another solution is to develop new AI and machine learning algorithms that can detect and identify deepfakes. This would require significant investment and research, but could be a long-term solution to the problem.
Finally, there is a need for increased regulation of deepfakes. Governments and tech companies need to work together to develop a set of guidelines and best practices for dealing with deepfakes. This could include policies around the creation and distribution of deepfakes, as well as measures to counteract their impact.
In conclusion, the rise of deepfakes is a worrying trend that has serious implications for society. The ability to create convincing images and videos of events that never occurred has already been exploited by hoaxers, and there is a risk that deepfakes could be used to manipulate public opinion, spread fear and panic, and erode trust in the media. To combat this issue, there is a need for increased awareness, investment in research and development, and regulation of deepfakes. With the right approach, it may be possible to mitigate the impact of deepfakes and prevent them from eroding democracy and public trust.
