AI-generated deepfakes: The Fast-Moving Technology Policymakers Can't Keep Up With

Imagine witnessing a video of your favorite celebrity saying or doing something completely out of character, leaving you scratching your head and wondering how it could be real. That's the power of AI-generated deepfakes, a technology that has the potential to cause confusion, damage reputations, and even undermine trust in democratic institutions.

Real Life Examples

One such example is the recent deepfake video of Belgium's prime minister, Sophie Wilmès, announcing that the country had decided to take drastic measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The video, which appeared to be a legitimate announcement, quickly went viral on social media platforms, causing confusion and concern. It wasn't until later that authorities confirmed the video was a deepfake.

Another example is the deepfake of former US President Barack Obama, created by Jordan Peele, that spread across the internet in 2018. The video showed Obama delivering a PSA about fake news and the dangers of deepfakes, highlighting the potential impact of the technology.

Main Companies Leading in Deepfake Technology

• Deeptrace
• Synthesia
• Dessa

The Challenge for Policymakers

AI-generated deepfakes are advancing at a rapid pace, making it difficult for policymakers to keep up. It's an arms race that requires constant vigilance, adaptation, and collaboration across borders and sectors.

There's also the question of how to regulate deepfake technology without infringing on freedom of speech or stifling innovation. Some experts suggest that the solution lies in developing more sophisticated tools to detect and mitigate the impact of deepfakes, while others argue for greater transparency and accountability from the companies that create them.

Ultimately, the challenge for policymakers is to strike a delicate balance between protecting individuals and society from the negative effects of deepfakes, while also ensuring that innovation and creativity can thrive.

Conclusion

1. The technology behind AI-generated deepfakes is advancing rapidly, posing potential risks to individuals and society.
2. Policymakers face challenges in keeping up with this fast-moving technology and finding ways to regulate it without stifling innovation or infringing on freedom of speech.
3. Effective solutions must strike a balance between protecting individuals and society from the negative effects of deepfakes, while maintaining an environment conducive to innovation and creativity.