What are Deepfakes? What Do I Do If Someone Makes a Deepfake of Me or My Child?
What are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are AI-generated videos or images that pretend to be specific people (like a really, really good photoshopped image or fake video). Since a few years ago when commercial AI technology made it possible (and affordable) for basically anyone to make a deepfake, they have become more and more sophisticated and are frequently used as part of cyberbullying and online harassment.
Some facts about deepfakes:
According to a McAfee survey, 70% of people said they aren’t confident that they can tell the difference between a real and cloned voice. That said, 40% of people in the same study reported they would help if they got a voicemail from their spouse who needed assistance.
False news, lies or rumors can spread faster than truthful news — which explains how deepfakes can be so effective. They provoke emotional responses and offer new information. In one study, the top 1 percent of rumors on Twitter (now X) reached between 1,000 to 100,000 people, while truthful news rarely reached more than 1,000 people.
Deepfake fraud increased by 1,740% in North America and by 1,530% in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022.
What should I do to avoid being deepfaked?
While there is no way to protect yourself from deepfakes if you have a normal amount of photos up on the internet, you can begin changing your privacy settings to minimise this risk:
Share with care: Be careful about the personal information you share online. Limit the amount of data, especially high-quality photos and videos, that could be used to create a deepfake. Adjust your privacy settings on social media to ensure that only trusted people can see what you post. Also, make sure you trust anyone who asks to follow or friend you.
Enable strong privacy settings: Take full advantage of the privacy settings available on websites and apps to control who can view your personal content. Limit access to your photos, videos, and other sensitive information. Reducing the visibility of your content online can decrease the chances of deepfake creators using it.
Watermark photos: If you share photos or videos online, consider adding a watermark. This can make it more difficult for deepfake creators to use your content, as it makes their work more identifiable.
Learn about deepfakes and AI: Stay updated on the latest developments in AI and deepfake technology. While you don’t need to be an expert, understanding the technology can help you spot potential threats and be more aware of suspicious content.
Use multi-factor authentication: Strengthen your account security by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). This requires an additional step to log in, such as a code sent to your phone or a biometric scan, adding extra protection to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
Don’t take the phishing bait: Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls, particularly those that urge you to act quickly. Deepfake creators may try to manipulate you emotionally into downloading malware or sharing personal information. Always verify the sender’s identity and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Report deepfake content: If you come across a deepfake involving you or someone else, report it to the platform hosting it. This can help remove or investigate the content and prevent it from reaching a wider audience. You should also report it to law enforcement if necessary.
Consult legal advice: If a deepfake damages your reputation, seek guidance from cybersecurity and data privacy lawyers. Laws addressing deepfakes are still evolving, but you can advocate for stronger protections and raise awareness with your elected representatives.
