The Rise of Deepfakes: Why They’re Spreading and How to Stop Them
Deepfakes are digitally altered media featuring people in situations they never experienced, often using AI to superimpose faces onto other bodies.
These creations can easily deceive viewers and harm reputations, circulating widely across various platforms.
Governments and agencies are tackling deepfake challenges, with measures like the FCC banning AI voices in robocalls and some states legislating against deepfake pornography.
Deepfakes pose serious risks to individual privacy and societal integrity, with instances like viral explicit images of celebrities and unethical content featuring minors.
The technology behind deepfakes has evolved from academic to widespread use, facilitated by open-source software and generative AI, making creation and distribution easier.
The ongoing threat of deepfakes necessitates further research, collaboration, and policy development by governments, tech companies, and civil society to safeguard digital media integrity.