DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGY

Deepfakes are a compilation of artificial images and audio put together with machine-learning algorithms to spread misinformation and replace a real person’s appearance, voice, or both with similar artificial likenesses or voices. It can create people who do not exist and it can fake real people saying and doing things they did not say or do.

WHAT ARE DEEPFAKES?

• Deepfakes are a type of fabricated media created using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques.
• The term deepfake is a combination of deep learning and fake.
•  These AI algorithms analyze and manipulate audio, video, or images to create content that appears authentic but is, in fact, fake.
• The application of Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) technology, which uses two AI algorithms, where one generates the fake content and the other grades its efforts, teaching the system to be better has helped come up with more accurate deepfakes.
•  Generative Adversarial Network is a deep learning architecture that consists of two neural networks competing against each other in a zero-sum game framework.

USES OF DEEP FAKE TECHNOLOGY

     1. Film Dubbing: Deepfake technology can be used to create realistic lip-syncing for actors who speak different languages, making the film more              accessible and immersive for global audiences. For example, a video was created to launch a petition to end malaria, where celebrities like                    David   Beckham, Hugh Jackman, and Bill Gates spoke in different languages using deepfake technology.

2. Education: Deepfake technology can help teachers deliver engaging lessons by bringing historical figures to life in the classroom, or creating interactive simulations of different scenarios. For example, a deepfake video of Abraham Lincoln giving his Gettysburg Address could be used to teach students about the American Civil War.
3. Art: Deepfake technology can be used as a creative tool for artists to express themselves, experiment with different styles, or collaborate with other artists. For example, a deep fake video of Salvador Dali was created to promote his museum in Florida, where he interacted with visitors and commented on his artworks.
4. Autonomy and Expression: Deepfake technology can empower people to control their own digital identity, protect their privacy, or express their identity in different ways. For example, a deepfake app called Reface allows users to swap their faces with celebrities or characters in videos or gifs, for fun or personalization.
5. Amplification of the Message and its Reach: Deepfake technology can help amplify the voice and impact of people who have important messages to share, especially those who face discrimination, censorship, or violence. For example, a deepfake video of a journalist who was killed by the Saudi government was created to deliver his final message and call for justice.
6. Digital Reconstruction and Public Safety: Deepfake technology can help reconstruct missing or damaged digital data, such as restoring old photos or videos, or enhancing low-quality footage. It can also help improve public safety by creating realistic training materials for emergency responders, law enforcement, or military personnel. For example, a deepfake video of a school shooting was created to train teachers on how to react in such a situation.
7. Innovation: Deepfake technology can spur innovation in various fields and industries, such as entertainment, gaming, or marketing. It can enable new forms of storytelling, interaction, diagnosis, or persuasion. For example, a deepfake video of Mark Zuckerberg was created to demonstrate the potential of synthetic media and its implications for society.

HOW TO IDENTIFY DEEPFAKE CONTENT?

1. Unnatural Eye Movements: Look for irregular eye movements, as genuine videos have smoother eye coordination with speech and actions, Deepfakes might have irregular eye contact or blinking patterns that seem unnatural
2. Mismatches in Color and Lighting: Check for inconsistencies in lighting on the subject’s face and surroundings, Deepfakes might have irregular eye contact or blinking patterns that seem unnatural
3. Lip syncing issues: Deepfake audio may have imperfections, so compare it with the video’s visual content, Deepfake videos have issues with the voice, such as robotic or unnatural tones, especially in the case of manipulated speech.
4. Strange Body Shape or Movement: Watch for unnatural body proportions or movements, especially during physical activities,  Unnatural body proportions or movements, especially during physical activities.
5. Artificial Facial Movements: Identify exaggerated or unsynchronized facial expressions that don’t match the video’s context, Deepfakes will have a minor variation of body posture, which may not be consistent with a real person's behavior
6. Check the Source: Always, verify the source of the content.
7. Use Deepfake Detection Tools: There are online tools and software designed like Sentinel, WeVerify, Reality Defender, and NewsGuard Misinformation Fingerprints to detect deepfakes. Use them to identify deepfakes.

HOW TO GET PROTECT FROM DEEPFAKES?

       1. Be wary of information: Exercise caution when consuming online content, especially videos or audio recordings.  Be skeptical of sensational           or shocking claims, and always verify information from reputable sources before sharing it.

2. Pay attention to details: Be wary of videos that seem too good to be true or that feature celebrities making bizarre statements.
3. Always verify sources and claims: Before sharing any online content, check the source and verify the authenticity of the information. ,  Avoid sharing media content that you are not sure about.
4. Report Deepfakes: If you encounter a suspected deepfake, report it to the appropriate platform or website.
5. Protect your online identity: Take steps to protect your online identity and personal information, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about what information you share online.

IMPACT OF DEEP FAKE TECHNOLOGY

      1. Victims of Deep Fake Pornography: The primary victims of malicious deepfake technology are women, with over 96% of deepfakes being                pornographic videos. This type of content threatens, intimidates, and psychologically harms individuals. 

2. Character Assassination: Deepfakes can portray individuals engaging in antisocial behaviors and saying false things they never did.  Even if victims can prove their innocence, the damage is often already done.
3. Erosion of Trust in Media: Deepfake technology contributes to a decline in trust in traditional media. This erosion can lead to a culture of factual relativism, damaging civil society.
4. National Security Threat: Malicious nation-states can use deepfakes to undermine public safety, create chaos, and sow uncertainty in target countries., This technology can also undermine trust in institutions and diplomacy.
5. Non-State Actors: Insurgent groups and terrorist organizations can use deepfakes to manipulate and spread inflammatory speeches or provocative actions to incite anti-state sentiments among the public., For instance, a terrorist organization can easily create a deep fake video showing Western soldiers dishonoring a religious place to flame existing anti-West emotions and cause further.
6. Financial Frauds: Deepfake technology can be used to impersonate executives, employees, or customers, and manipulate them into revealing sensitive information, transferring money, or making false decisions

LAWS AGAINST DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA

1. IT Act of 2000 – Section 66E

• This section is applicable in cases of deepfake crimes that involve capturing, publishing, or transmitting a person’s images in mass media, violating their privacy. 
• Offenders can face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to ₹2 lakh.

2. IT Act of 2000 – Section 66D

• This section allows for the prosecution of individuals who use communication devices or computer resources with malicious intent to cheat or impersonate someone. 
• It can result in imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. 

3. Copyright Protection

• The Indian Copyright Act of 1957 provides copyright protection for works, including films, music, and other creative content. 
• Copyright owners can take legal action against individuals who create deepfakes using copyrighted works without permission. 
• Section 51 of the Copyright Act provides penalties for copyright infringement.

4. Government Advisory

• On January 9, 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to media organizations to exercise caution when airing content that could be manipulated or tampered with. 
• The Ministry also recommended labeling manipulated content as manipulated or modified to inform viewers that the content has been altered.