Unveiling the deep fake technology: Understanding Types, Pros, Cons, and Countermeasures”
Although fake visual creations through editing tools like Photoshop were surprising, they lacked originality. With the emergence of deep fake technology, the speedy evolution of technology has entered a phase of creating very similar fake audios, videos, and pictures to the original ones. This digital manipulation through machine learning and non-AI algorithms can depict the reality of individuals doing and saying actions they never did or said. In 2017, the name ‘deep fake’ appeared on Reddit, where a user calling himself ‘r/deepfakes’ created the deep fake pornography by swapping porn performers faces for those of actresses. To learn and uncover the potential benefits and threats of deep fake, an overview of the types of deep fake will help you a lot.
Exploring Various Types and Techniques of Deep fake
1. Face- swapping
This is a technique of replacing a person’s face with another one in a picture or video through machine learning. The visual alteration is very close to a real picture or video.
2. Voice Synthesis
The method of creating voices through AI algorithms that mimic human voices. The synthesized voices sound like the real voices of individuals.
3. Lip-Syncing
The procedure of harmonizing audio recordings or music with the movement of the conforming lips in a video to create the illusion that the video belongs to the shown person.
4. Contextual manipulation
The alteration in the surroundings of a picture or video — the lighting, shadow, or background of a picture or video — is manipulated in order to mislead people and create propaganda.
Unlocking How Deep Fake Videos are Made: A Fascinating Exploration
Deep fakes are created using deep learning algorithms like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks). GANs consist of two neural networks (generator and discriminator), which are trained simultaneously through a competitive process until the generator produces a high-quality synthetic sample that is indistinguishable from the real data. Here is another thought about the creation of deep fake contents, in particular videos: Siwei Lyu of SUNNY Buffalo says, “Most deep fake videos are created these days by algorithms in which GANs have no significant role.” He says that GANs are more favorable for deep fake image generation, while the combination of AI and non-AI algorithms contributes to the generation of a greater portion of deep fake videos and audios.
In 2018, the race for the creation of deep fake AI tools further went up after the generation of DeepFaceLab, which is a deep fake maker AI tool. There is no exact statistic of deep fake tools available now. In fact, there are many tools for creating deep fake content. Some of them are open-source, and others are commercial software.
A few notable deep fake generation software tools:
1. DeepFaceLab
This is used for high-quality deep fake video creation, including face-swapping, reenactment, and neural network training.
2. Deepware.ai
It is specialized in creating high-quality deep fake videos with advanced features such as face replacement, expression transfer, and lip-syncing.
3. DFaker
This tool allows you to create realistic videos in which you can swap the faces of the desired person with those of others.
Exploring Positive Applications of Deep Fake Technology
This section is going to unveil the positive impacts of fake technology in different facets of our lives:
Recreation of Celebrities
The late, famous actor Paul Walker once again appeared in Fast and Furious 7, but his revival became possible with the help of AI techniques, computer-generated imagery, and deep fake algorithms. In addition to this, the hyper-realistic voice of Joe Rogan, who is a comedian and actor, was created using deep fake technology by the three engineers at DESSA. This recreation of voice is an indication that you would be able to listen to the voice and face of your favorite celebrities. The researchers at MIT at the University of Washington in Seattle say, “It may be possible to create digital clones of any possible” . By collecting hundreds of images of celebrities and historical figures from the internet, their digital dopplegangers can be created.
Entertainment and Film Industry
The production of movies, TV shows, and advertisements is going to be faster and more interesting. Deep-fake technology will significantly reduce the time of production and cost of expensive sets, props, locations, and even actors. Filmmakers can create scenes with high-quality visuals and effects, thereby reducing the intensive labor and cost of traditional filmmaking. The legacy of actors and actresses can be preserved after their deaths for future generations by deep fake technology. Small-level film artists can access these tools to create interesting stories and compete with higher-level studios.
Fund Raising
The deep fake tools can help you create compelling visual demonstrations of your projects and even incorporate appeals from influential figures and celebrities to endorse the cause. Also, the creation of immersive and emotionally resonant contents and hosting virtual events through deep fake technology will boost fundraising campaigns.
Digital Revitalization and Enhancement
Old and damaged photos and videos holding your past memories can be refined by filling in the missing details and correcting imperfections. However, deep fake technology can improve historical footage and preserve cultural heritage.
Universal Access and Inclusion:
Advanced deep fake languages’ translation tools can enhance access of content to the diverse linguistic groups. Similarly, dubbing of videos and movies can be done in multiple languages through deep fake software in just a few minutes. People with disabilities can utilize deep fake created sign language interpretation and audio explanations to normalize their lives. Now there are tools available that help you convey your message in more than one language to boost your reach. The Technical University of Munich in Germany developed a code through machine learning that enables soccer star David Beckham to speak fluently in nine languages, only one of which he actually speaks.
Cyber security and Defense:
Deep fake forensic tools can contribute to identifying online scams, cyberattacks, and even manipulation of contents in order to protect individuals and organizations. DeepArtificialNeuralFaces (DANF), DeepFaceLab, Zao, and several other tools are used for investigation in security agencies.
Simulation and Preparation
Simulation plays vital role in several fields including healthcare, education, and defense. Deep fake simulation tools help in the training and skill development of people to prepare them for real-world situations in a safe and controlled setting. DeepMotion Avatar and Virtualitics are AI-powered tools that can help you simulate an immersive environment and conditions.
Uncovering the Perils: Navigating the Risks of Deep fake Technology
Character assassination of women
The wave of humiliating women through the superimposition of the faces of celebrities onto the faces of people in porn videos gained widespread popularity after 2017. A study of Sensity artificial intelligence (AI), which states that 90–95% of the deep fake contents created and published online during 2018–2020 were comprised of vulgarity.
The number of affected women, in particular celebrities, is growing day by day with the advancement and easy access to deep fake tools. Some of the notable affected celebrities are Gal Gadot, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Watson, and Taylor Swift. These celebrities’ likeness has been manipulated in explicit content using deep fake tools. Head of Research and Communication Analyst Henry Ajder of Deeptrace says, “Fully 100 percent of pornographic videos the group found were of women (women were the subjects of 39 percent of non-pornographic deep fake YouTube videos analyzed by the group). “ We didn’t find a single deep fake pornographic video of a man.” This statistic reveals that deep fake is being used to harass women on a large scale.
Fake political campaigns /speeches (Threat to democracy)
Deep fakes can pose threats to democracy in several ways. Opponent parties can create realistic videos of political figures saying and doing things they never said or did. Furthermore, deep fakes can produce scandals involving politicians to exploit and defame them. By using this tactic, voters’ perceptions and the election’s outcome can be altered. The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation about politicians and institutions can manipulate public opinion, damage politics, and undermine the will of people.
Nina Schick, International Political Technology Advisor, says, “In the era of deepfakes, the very fabric of democracy is at risk as truth becomes a casualty of digital manipulation “(Deep Fakes and the Infocalypse: What You Urgently Need to Know). While mentioning the deepfaked video of the ex-President of America, Barrack Obama, she expressed the risk of the fabrication of scandals and propaganda campaigns against political figures to mislead and influence public opinion.
If you take a look at the recent past years, in 2018, a deep fake video of João Doria, the governor of São Paulo, Brazil, surfaced in which he was shown participating in orgy. Similarly, deep fake videos are available on the internet featuring ex-President Donald Trump. And those videos are based on impersonation, political satire, and malicious forms of misinformation. Furthermore, the grave repercussions of deep fakes have been delved into by Robert Chesney and Danielle Citron: “Deepfakes pose a looming crisis for democracy, threatening national security and privacy in an era of digital deception.” “Deep Fakes: A Looming Crisis for National Security, Democracy, and Privacy?”
Financial Scams:
Deep fake audios and videos of the heads of different companies can be used as tools to perform financial frauds. In 2019, the CEO of a U.K.-based energy firm was deceived by a deep fake audio call in which the caller asked him to send the funds of around $243,000 to a Hungarian supplier. In fact, he thought he was speaking on the phone with his boss, the chief executive of the firm’s German parent company. Scammers are using deep fakes to impersonate bank officials and government representatives and ask to reveal personal information. In addition to this, fraudulent investment schemes featuring prominent figures can be used to mislead potential investors, leading to financial losses. Apart from these, the real estate sector, is under attack by deep fake scammers. They can create deep fake images and videos of properties misrepresenting location or condition for sale or rent. The convincing trap can cause people to sign contracts and transfer payments.
Fabricating Reality:
Media, or journalism, is called the Pillar of Democracy, the Watchdog, and the Mirror of Society. Deep fake tools can create misleading media content about events, political figures, and institutions that can create confusion and division in society. The incorporation of deep fake in media contents raises question about credibility and authenticity of media outlets and even journalists. Mass misinformation and disinformation through deepfakes can shatter media integrity and disrupt its core roles.
Exploration: Mitigating potential risks of deep fake Technology
Digital Literacy:
Deep fake is like a double-edged sword. So, it is necessary to analyze, understand, and then consume online contents in order to avoid the threat of deep fakes. The best strategy is to verify the source of content through fact-checking websites and seek evidence. Above all, promotion of media literacy and public awareness campaigns can avert the risk of deepfakes.
Deep Fake Detection Applications
The tug of war between the creators of harmful deep fake tools and deep fake detectors has intensified. “We are building the anti-virus for deepfakes,” says Giorgio Patrini, CEO and chief scientist at Deeptrace, a startup based out of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Now, there are many tools available that can detect a deep fake presence in content by analyzing facial expression, inconsistencies, and contextual manipulation. Here are some of the best deep fake detectors for 2024.
1. WeVerify
2. Deepware Scanner
3. Microsoft Video AI Authenticator
4. Intel’s FakeCatcher
5. Sentinel AI
Policies and laws to penalize and criminalize deep fakes
At the government level, the formulation of rules for the creation and distribution of deep fakes is indispensable. Furthermore, developing a framework to address deep fake crimes also requires attention. Some developed countries, like America, China, and South Korea, are formulating policies to tackle deep fake challenges. On the other side, popular social and web services like Facebook, YouTube, Discord, Gfycat, and Twitter have banned obvious keyword searches for deepfakes. Google also updated its policy to counter deep fake misuses.
Research and Development
Keeping in view the looming threats of deep fake, the focus of governments must be on tech developments. For this purpose, an appropriate portion of the budget must be allocated to carry out research in the development of deep fake creation and detection tools. Also, there is a need to establish partnerships and standards with tech companies for deep fake detection and removal. At this time, several government and private institutions and labs are investigating and developing deep fake detection tools. Here are a few active institutions and labs working on different deepfakes projects: Deeptrace, DESSA, OpenAI, Facebook AI Research (FAIR), Google Research, Microsoft Research, MIT Media Lab, and Stanford University’s Center for AI Safety.
A word from writer
“This post is an output of intensive research and interest. Hopefully, it is going to add value to your information bank. Your criticism and feedback are welcome here.”
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