Deepfake videos are on the rise these days. Several Bollywood celebrities have fallen prey to this. In a recent high-profile case, a deepfake video of Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna went viral. The video, which was created using AI technology, depicted Mandanna in a revealing bodycon dress. The incident highlights the growing threat of deepfakes and the need for individuals to take steps to protect themselves from online manipulation.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about a surge in the creation of deepfakes, manipulated videos or audio recordings that can make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never did. While deepfakes can be used for entertainment or educational purposes, they have also raised serious concerns about their potential for misuse, such as spreading misinformation, damaging reputations, or even influencing elections.
Also Read | Rashmika Mandanna takes a strong stance against the viral Deepfake video of her
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 analyse and manipulate audio, video, or images to create content that appears authentic but is, in fact, fake.
Tips to identify Deepfakes
Deepfakes aren’t easy to identify. As the technology behind them continues to advance, these fake videos appear more real and convincing making it hard to detect their genuineness. However, there are several signs and techniques that you can use to help identify whether a video or image might be a deepfake:
- Inconsistent Facial Expressions: Deepfakes may show unnatural facial expressions or movements that mismatch with the audio or context of the video.
- Lip Syncing Issues: Pay attention to whether the lip movements match the audio. In some deepfakes, the lip-syncing may be slightly off or appear very robotic.
- Unusual Eye Contact: Deepfakes might have irregular eye contact or blinking patterns that seem unnatural.
- Inconsistent Lighting and Shadows: Deepfakes may have inconsistencies in lighting and shadows compared to the background or other people in the video.
- Contextual Inconsistencies: Check for inconsistencies in the background, such as strange objects or unusual lighting that don’t match the environment.
- Audio Anomalies: Deepfake videos may have issues with the voice, such as robotic or unnatural tones, especially in the case of manipulated speech.
- Check the Source: Always, verify the original source of the content.
- Use Deepfake Detection Tools: There are online tools and software designed to detect deepfakes. Use them to identify deepfakes.
How to protect yourself from Deepfakes
- 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.
- Pay attention to details: Be wary of videos that seem too good to be true or that feature celebrities making bizarre statements.
- Always verify sources and claims: Before sharing any online content, check the source and verify the authenticity of the information. Avoid sharing media content which you are not sure about.
- Report Deepfakes: If you encounter a suspected deepfake, report it to the appropriate platform or website.
- 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.
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