Deepfake Archives - PC Tech Magazine https://pctechmag.com/topics/deepfake/ Uganda Technology News, Analysis & Product Reviews Thu, 28 Nov 2024 09:09:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/pctechmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/pctech-subscribe.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Deepfake Archives - PC Tech Magazine https://pctechmag.com/topics/deepfake/ 32 32 168022664 A Comprehensive Review of How Deepfake Detection Technology Works https://pctechmag.com/2024/11/a-comprehensive-review-of-how-deepfake-detection-technology-works/ Thu, 28 Nov 2024 09:09:37 +0000 https://pctechmag.com/?p=81062 Keeping up with the aforementioned differences between authentic and fake content requires constant innovation and new techniques to avoid falling farther behind the pace of these developments.

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The enormous advancements in machine learning models have made it increasingly difficult to detect artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes. The current generation of deepfakes is so lifelike that they nearly mimic a human’s facial expression, speech rhythm, and gait. Deepfake detection techniques are significantly developed because of the AI-generated material.

The contemporary methods of detection, such as frame inspection or pixel analysis, are deemed unsuitable. The problem is that the AI used for deepfake detection needs to improve along with the AI used for deepfake development. Keeping up with the aforementioned differences between authentic and fake content requires constant innovation and new techniques to avoid falling farther behind the pace of these developments.

How does deepfake detection technology work

There are several ways to detect AI-generated deepfake videos. These can be detected by observing the visuals of the content. Some unnatural movements in the video can help identify the spoof. Besides, the edges of the face in a deepfake video are blurry and unclear. It can also be identified by closely looking into the muscle movements while smiling and blinking. Also, speech patterns can contribute to the detection of deepfake videos. A real human has some natural variations that are difficult to imitate by the AI-generated video.

Moreover, there are techniques like machine learning and deep learning that can lend a hand to the detection of a deepfake. In machine learning, the modal is trained by using fake and real videos so that the system can learn the difference between both. Later, during the process, the system indicates even the trivial spoofs of AI-generated content. Furthermore, deep learning can also be used for the detection. It works by using a large database and samples. It is trained to analyze videos and images based on existing datasets. This system can detect alterations that are unable to be identified by the naked eye.

Applications of deepfake detection software

Deepfakes are being produced and used for a variety of reasons in many different domains. Deepfake spotting can be applied to a variety of fields, including forensics, fraud detection, security, and disinformation identification.

  • Deepfake prevention is crucial in mitigating crimes. A criminal can create a deepfake video to harass or bully someone by using their personal information or creating fake videos. By investigating culprits, this fraud can be averted timely.
  • AI deepfakes can be easily used to spread misinformation. For instance, a deepfake of a politician can be used to manipulate the audience. It can create panic and mistrust among the people. By addressing this issue, organizations can prevent the spread of misinformation.
  • Online deepfake detection can help prevent many frauds and scams. Criminals are using fake videos to harass women and girls, impersonating them, and committing several other crimes that need to be addressed as soon as possible.
  • Many legal cases require evidence in the form of audio, video, and image. The opponents can use deepfake images, audio, and videos to win their cases. The detection tools can help verify whether the content is real or fake.

Also read:

Detection tools empowered by AI

Fighting deepfake assaults requires the use of detecting technologies powered by artificial intelligence. The most recent machine learning algorithms can utilize these techniques to scan digital content for precise modification indicators that are invisible to the human eye. Additionally, by examining the patterns and differences in the videos and photographs, certain artificial algorithms may effectively identify deepfake content. The precision and dependability of the detecting techniques will rise as artificial intelligence technology continues to advance. Additionally, these enhancements will be essential in contrast to deepfake attacks. These technologies are also essential for law enforcement, online media outlets, and anybody else who needs to authenticate and verify digital content.

Advancements in deepfake detection technology over time

AI prevention solutions must be continuously updated to reflect the most recent methods of deepfake production. Therefore, despite its seeming great promise, several obstacles still stand in the way of its widespread adoption.

Therefore, collaborative AI models with quickly developing deepfake technology are the way of the future for deepfake detection. For example, these stand-alone systems would use speech recognition, image recognition, and behavior analysis to develop a comprehensive approach to detection; the challenge has been developing such a system.

Addressing issues like deep fake variety across media kinds and achieving widespread success with cross-platform integration without cultural and language sensitivity are difficulties that need collaboration between platforms, governments, and AI professionals.

Evolution in technology, including advancements like liveness detection, can bring creativity, but it should not lead to the invasion of privacy. Advancements and developments are crucial for growth, ensuring they do not result in the misuse of anyone’s data. It is also important to establish ethical guidelines and regulations alongside this evolution to prevent negative outcomes.

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How Financial Institutions Can Safeguard Against Deepfakes https://pctechmag.com/2023/09/how-financial-institutions-can-safeguard-against-deepfakes/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:10:35 +0000 https://pctechmag.com/?p=71984 With deepfake technology, it is simple and possible to edit a person’s facial and vocal likeness with alarming…

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With deepfake technology, it is simple and possible to edit a person’s facial and vocal likeness with alarming accuracy. For the most part, this can be seen as harmless entertainment. But what if your likeness was used to drain your savings or commit fraud?

As the technology to create deepfakes becomes easier and cheaper, the need to guard against these cybercrimes has come to the forefront.

A deepfake is a video, visual, or audio recording that has been distorted, manipulated, or synthetically created using deep learning techniques to present an individual, or a hybrid of several people, saying or doing something that they did not say or do.

These deepfakes are often used in digital injection attacks which are sophisticated, highly scalable, and replicable cyberattacks that bypass the camera on a device or are injected into a data stream.

The Chief Operating Officer of iiDENTIFii, Murray Collyer, says, “Digital injection attacks present the highest threat to financial services, as the AI technology behind it is affordable, and the attacks are rapidly scalable.

In fact, a recent digital security report by technology partner, iProov, illustrates how, in an indiscriminate attempt to bypass an organization’s security systems, some 200-300 attacks were launched globally from the same location within a 24-hour period. As more and more people embrace digital banking, deepfake technology is a serious threat.

As more people set up digital accounts and do their banking online, financial crime and cybercrime have become more inextricably linked than ever before. Interpol states that financial and cybercrimes are the world’s leading crime threats and are projected to increase the most.

Collyer noted that “Deepfake technology is one of the most rapidly growing threats within financial services, yet not all verification technologies are resilient to it. Password-based systems, for example, are highly susceptible to fraud. South Africa needs to strengthen their technology to outwit cyber criminals.”

While deepfakes are a severe threat, the technology and processes exist to safeguard financial services companies against this method of fraud.

A growing percentage of face biometric technology incorporates some form of liveness checks — such as wink and blink — to verify and authenticate customers. Liveness detection uses biometric technology to determine whether the individual presenting is a real human being, not a presented artifact. Therefore, this technology can detect a deepfake if it were to be played on a device and presented to the camera.

While many liveness detection technologies can determine if someone is conducting fraud by holding up a physical image (for example, a printed picture or mask of the person transacting) to the screen, many solutions cannot detect digital injection attacks.

Collyer says specialized technology is required to combat deepfakes.

“Within iiDENTIFii, we have seen success with the use of sophisticated yet accessible 4D liveness technology, which includes a timestamp and is further verified through a three-step process where the user’s selfie and ID document data are checked with relevant government databases. This enables us to accurately authenticate someone’s identity,” explained Collyer.

With the right technology, it is not only possible to protect consumers and businesses against deepfake financial crimes but also create a user experience that is simple, accessible, and safe for all.

Collyer will be part of the speakers present at the 8th installment of the AML, Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference. The high-level conference is currently being hosted at the Indaba Hotel Fourways in South Africa —attended by professionals from banks, insurance and investment companies, service providers, government, and MLCOs from non-designated financial service providers.

ALSO READ: UNDERSTANDING DEEPFAKE TECH: HOW IT WORKS AND CONCERNS ARISING FROM ITS IMPLEMENTATION

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Understanding Deepfake Technology: How it Works and Concerns Arising From its Implementation https://pctechmag.com/2023/05/understanding-deepfake-technology/ Wed, 10 May 2023 14:15:01 +0000 https://pctechmag.com/?p=70273 Deepfake technology has become increasingly prevalent in society due to its ability to manipulate digital video and audio…

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Deepfake technology has become increasingly prevalent in society due to its ability to manipulate digital video and audio for various uses. It can be used for entertainment, news production, or even malicious purposes, but what are the practical implications of such a powerful technology?

We briefly explore what deepfake technology is, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages so you can have an informed opinion on how best to use it to move forward. We look at the potential ethical dilemmas associated with using it, privacy concerns that may arise from its implementation, and much more.

What is Deepfake Technology, and How Does it Work

Deepfake technology is a term coined to describe the artificial intelligence technique used to manipulate or generate video, audio, and images of people. It is an emerging technology that has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. At its core, deepfake technology uses machine learning algorithms to analyze, map, and imitate a person’s voice or facial expressions captured in source media, such as a video or image.

This allows for the creation of highly believable yet completely fake content that can be used to deceive others or spread false information. Deepfakes can be difficult to detect, making them so dangerous. As revealed by ExpressVPN, deepfakes are difficult to detect, and they can be used to manipulate people’s memories. As technology continues to evolve, it’s hard to predict how it will be used in the future, but it’s clear that it has the potential to cause great harm.

The Potential Advantages of Deepfakes

The word “deepfake” strikes fear into the hearts of many, conjuring up images of malicious individuals manipulating videos to deceive and mislead the public. However, it is important to recognize that this technology might also have some potential advantages.

One such advantage is in the entertainment industry, where deepfakes can be an incredibly powerful tool for bringing beloved characters back to life. Imagine watching a new film featuring Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, or Audrey Hepburn — all of whom have passed away, as if they were still alive and acting today. This is just one of the many potential applications of deepfakes that could have a positive impact on society, and it’s one that we should be exploring further.

Issues with Misuse or Abuse of Deepfake Technology

Deepfake technology has caused quite an upset since its introduction. Though it can be used for harmless entertainment, such as impersonations of celebrities, the misuse and abuse of this technology worries many people. With the ability to create realistic fake videos, it becomes challenging to distinguish between reality and falsehoods, leading to potential misinformation and manipulation. This has raised serious concerns regarding political propaganda, cyberbullying, and identity fraud.

As deepfakes become increasingly accessible and realistic, it is crucial to develop tools and safeguards to detect and prevent their harmful usage.

Ethical Considerations of Deepfake Technology

As digital technology continues to revolutionize our lives, there is increasing concern about the ethical implications of this technology. Deepfakes refer to videos or images that have been manipulated to appear authentic, even when the content itself is fabricated. While this technology can be used for harmless entertainment, it can cause significant harm, such as spreading disinformation, manipulating public opinion, and extortion.

As deepfakes become increasingly sophisticated, it is essential that we educate ourselves on their potential risks and take measures to protect ourselves and our communities from their harmful effects. The ethical considerations of deepfake technology are complex and multifaceted. Still, staying informed and adopting responsible practices can help ensure these technologies are used for positive and constructive purposes.

The Future of Deepfake Technology

Deepfake technology has become a prominent tool for creating realistic yet fabricated videos and audio recordings. It is a technique that employs machine learning algorithms to mimic the human appearance and voice to generate manipulated content that appears to be genuine.

Its future is expanding as advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are being made, and experts predict that it will have significant implications in various fields, including politics, entertainment, and the arts. However, technology also poses a significant threat to society, as it can be misused to spread disinformation, tarnish reputations, and create chaos. Therefore, it is essential to apply ethical considerations, regulations, and technical intervention to prevent the dangerous consequences of deepfake technology while exploring its potential benefits.

How Individuals, Organizations, and Governments Can Regulate the Use of Deepfakes

With the rise of technology, the ability to create false video content that appears convincingly real has become a growing concern. These “deepfakes” can be used to spread fraudulent information or manipulate public opinion. To mitigate the harm caused by deepfakes, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Individuals can help by not sharing unverified videos online and being cautious about what they believe.

Organizations should establish best practices for detecting and preventing the spread of deepfakes. Meanwhile, governments should regulate the use of deepfakes, especially in contexts like elections or national security. Ongoing collaboration between all parties is important to minimize the negative impacts of deepfakes.

To conclude, deepfake technology can potentially revolutionize many areas, from entertainment to journalism. While there are many advantages to it, misuse of this technology can have a devastating effect that could cause serious harm to individuals or organizations. As a result, it is essential for communities, governments, and businesses alike to consider how this technology should be used responsibly and ethically.

Even if this revolutionary technology becomes widely accepted in modern society, which is likely given its potential for positive applications, we must ensure that we understand the implications and responsibilities associated with using them.

Regulations must be put in place to limit misuse, foster education surrounding the technology, mitigate potential risks, and protect vulnerable groups. When done correctly, Deepfake technology can benefit our lives; however, we must remain vigilant in its use to bring real value rather than a detriment.

ALSO READ: THE RISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS

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Artificial Intelligence Poses Risks of Misuse by Hackers https://pctechmag.com/2018/02/artificial-intelligence-poses-risks-misuse-hackers/ Wed, 21 Feb 2018 07:27:32 +0000 http://pctechmag.com/?p=52004 Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are raising risks that malicious users will soon exploit the technology to mount automated…

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Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are raising risks that malicious users will soon exploit the technology to mount automated hacking attacks, cause driverless car crashes or turn commercial drones into targeted weapons, a new report warns.

The study, published on Wednesday by 25 technical and public policy researchers from Cambridge, Oxford, and Yale universities along with privacy and military experts, sounded the alarm for the potential misuse of AI by rogue states, criminals, and lone-wolf attackers.

The researchers said the malicious use of AI poses imminent threats to digital, physical, and political security by allowing for large-scale, finely targeted, highly efficient attacks. The study focuses on plausible developments within five years.

“We all agree there are a lot of positive applications of AI,” Miles Brundage, a research fellow at Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute. “There was a gap in the literature around the issue of malicious use.”

AI, involves using computers to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as taking decisions or recognizing text, speech or visual images.

It is considered a powerful force for unlocking all manner of technical possibilities but has become a focus of strident debate over whether the massive automation it enables could result in widespread unemployment and other social dislocations.

The 98-page paper cautions that the cost of attacks may be lowered by the use of AI to complete tasks that would otherwise require human labour and expertise. New attacks may arise that would be impractical for humans alone to develop or which exploit the vulnerabilities of AI systems themselves.

It reviews a growing body of academic research about the security risks posed by AI and calls on governments and policy and technical experts to collaborate and defuse these dangers.

The researchers detail the power of AI to generate synthetic images, text, and audio to impersonate others online, in order to sway public opinion, noting the threat that authoritarian regimes could deploy such technology.

The report makes a series of recommendations including regulating AI as a dual-use military/commercial technology.

It also asks questions about whether academics and others should rein in what they publish or disclose about new developments in AI until other experts in the field have a chance to study and react to potential dangers they might pose.

“We ultimately ended up with a lot more questions than answers,” Brundage said.

The paper was born of a workshop in early 2017, and some of its predictions essentially came true while it was being written. The authors speculated AI could be used to create highly realistic fake audio and video of public officials for propaganda purposes.

Late last year, so-called “deepfake” pornographic videos began to surface online, with celebrity faces realistically melded to different bodies.

“It happened in the regime of pornography rather than propaganda,” said Jack Clark, head of policy at OpenAI, the group founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Silicon Valley investor Sam Altman to focus on friendly AI that benefits humanity. “But nothing about deepfakes suggests it can’t be applied to propaganda.”

source: Thomson Reuters 2018

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