Deepfake Dangers Unveiled
In the wake of the Rashmika Mandanna incident three months ago, Gujarat witnessed a surge in cases related to deepfakes and video morphing. Deepfakes, videos manipulated to replace faces and voices, have been deployed to tarnish reputations and create chaos. From vengeful high schoolers to domestic disputes, these incidents underscore the urgent need for vigilance against deepfake threats.
Deepfake Chronicles: A Recap
High School Havoc
In a disturbing case, a 12th-grade student from an esteemed Ahmedabad school created a deepfake of his female classmate after she rejected his advances. The sinister trend extends beyond schools and homes, infiltrating various facets of society.
Domestic Retribution
A doctor in Nadiad found himself entangled in a deepfake scandal when a compromising video emerged. Shockingly, the creator was none other than his wife, seeking revenge amid internal disputes. The rising instances of such cases raise concerns about personal privacy and ethical boundaries.
Celebrities Caught in the Crossfire
The deepfake saga hit Bollywood when a video featuring Rashmika Mandanna went viral. Investigation revealed that the video was an AI-generated deepfake, invoking legal consequences under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Government, Bollywood, and the Deepfake Dilemma
Post the Rashmika Mandanna incident, the Indian government, Bollywood, and deepfake victims collectively sounded an alarm. Legal actions were initiated under various sections of the IPC and IT Act. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India issued stern warnings to social media platforms, emphasizing the gravity of deepfake threats.
Fear Factor: Reporting Challenges
Despite the prevalence of deepfake victimization, reporting remains low. Victims often shy away from confronting authorities, fearing public exposure. The psychological toll and potential social stigma contribute to the underreporting of deepfake incidents.
Detecting the Deceptive: Tips and Tools
Differentiating between a deepfake and an authentic video can be challenging. Research suggests that many deepfake faces lack natural eye blinking, presenting a potential marker for detection. Additionally, playing a video in slow motion can reveal glitches in the morphed mask.
YouTube channel Sumsubcom provides practical tips:
- Super Slow Playback: Playing the video at an extremely slow speed can reveal glitches in the deepfake mask.
- Side View or Hand Test: Asking the person in the video to turn their head to the side or cover their face with their hand can expose inconsistencies in the deepfake.
The Deepfake Dilemma
Supasorn Suwajanakorn, a computer researcher, showcased the capabilities of deepfake technology at a TED Event. He demonstrated four Obamas, challenging the audience to identify the real one. The revelation? None of them were authentic.
Guarding Against the Virtual Invasion
To counteract the very technology he contributed to, Suwajanakorn and his team introduced the “Reality Defender” web browser plug-in. This tool automatically flags potentially fake content, acting as a shield right in the browser.
Instagram influencer Simran Jain shared a valuable resource: stopncii.org. This website allows individuals to file cases if their photos and videos are uploaded without consent, facilitating the removal of such content.
Data Defense: Less Presence, Less Vulnerability
A critical aspect of deepfake creation involves feeding vast amounts of personal data into AI and Machine Learning algorithms. Reducing one’s online presence limits the data available for deepfake generation, offering a strategic defense.
Closing Thoughts: Taming the Technological Beast
In the battle against deepfakes, technology stands as a double-edged sword. The hands that wield it determine its impact. As individuals arm themselves with awareness, tools, and legal recourse, the fight against deepfakes gains momentum.
Sources: Times of India, India Today, Paper on DeepVision: Deepfakes Detection Using Human Eye Blinking Pattern, YouTube, Instagram, and other various social media platforms
By Soujanya Das Roy, reporting from Kolkata for True To Life