The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report for 2024 has issued a stark warning, identifying misinformation and disinformation, primarily driven by deepfakes, as the most severe global short-term risks facing the world in the next two years.
In line with this, the Innovation Council of Québec also recognized the gravity of the situation after months of consultations with experts and the public.
Challenges in combatting Deepfakes
Deepfakes, which utilize artificial intelligence and generative AI to create hyper-realistic fabrications, extend beyond technological marvels, posing a profound societal threat. Despite the ongoing development of deepfake detection tools and legislative efforts, there remains a significant gap in effectively combating this menace.
While deepfake detection tools are in development, they struggle to keep up with the rapidly advancing capabilities of deepfake algorithms. Legal systems and governments are also grappling to stay ahead in the fight against digital deception.
Given these challenges, it is evident that technology and legislation alone are insufficient to address this imminent threat.
Political disinformation concerns
One of the most alarming aspects of deepfakes is their potential to fuel political polarization. With nearly three billion people expected to vote in various countries within the next two years, disinformation campaigns threaten to undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments.
Deepfakes of prominent figures, such as Palestinian American supermodel Bella Hadid, have been manipulated to falsify their political statements, showcasing the technology’s capacity to sway public opinion and distort political narratives. The nefarious use of deepfakes is exemplified by instances like a deepfake of Greta Thunberg advocating for “vegan grenades.”
Financial fraud and pornographic harms
Beyond political manipulation, fake videos are being leveraged for financial fraud. Notably, popular YouTuber MrBeast was impersonated in a deepfake scam on TikTok, leading to financial deceit. Moreover, deepfake pornography poses a grave concern, as individuals’ faces are non-consensually superimposed onto explicit content.
Instances like sexually explicit deepfake images of Taylor Swift spreading on social media underscore the vulnerability to AI-driven frauds and scams targeting individuals of all ages.
Policy and technology approaches
Various countries and tech giants have introduced policies and technologies to combat fake news. Companies like Meta and Google have mandated political advertisers to disclose AI manipulation in their ads.
Additionally, researchers are developing advanced detection tools for deepfake audio, and legislative acts, such as the Deepfakes Accountability Act, have been introduced in the U.S. and Canada. The European Union has also taken steps to address online safety and AI regulation through the AI Liability Directive.
Research study with youth
To effectively combat the rising tide of disinformation fueled by deepfakes and AI technologies, a research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Canadian Heritage focused on empowering youth with digital agency.
The study included Canadian university students aged 18 to 24, who participated in workshops, interviews, and focus group discussions.
Through hands-on experiences creating deepfakes, participants gained valuable insights into the technology and its potential for misuse. Initially perceiving deepfakes as uncontrollable, they progressed to understand their grave threat and developed a sense of responsibility in preventing their spread.
Youth empowerment recommendations
In the ongoing battle against deepfake misinformation, insights from recent research offer valuable recommendations for effective action:
Education plays a pivotal role by integrating deep fake awareness into curricula. Teaching the consequences of disinformation equips students to critically assess content.
Encouraging critical thinking is vital. Providing spaces for youth to question societal norms and educating them about social media policies fosters responsible online behavior.
Technology awareness is crucial. Teaching students to recognize deepfakes by unveiling the creation process enhances their ability to spot deceptive content.
Active involvement is encouraged. Youth should engage in meaningful causes while remaining vigilant against disinformation, and they should be guided in addressing false information constructively.
A multifaceted strategy
To counter the proliferation of deepfakes effectively, a multifaceted strategy is proposed. This includes integrating deepfake education into curricula, nurturing critical thinking and digital agency in youth, and encouraging active yet well-informed participation in the fight against malicious deepfakes.
An interdisciplinary educational approach, combining technology, psychology, media studies, and ethics, is also emphasized to fully comprehend the implications of deepfakes.
The human element in combating Deepfakes
This research underscores the vital role of education and the human element in the fight against deepfakes. Relying solely on technology and legal solutions is insufficient. By equipping younger generations and society at large with the skills to critically analyze and challenge disinformation, we can nurture a digitally literate and resilient society capable of withstanding the manipulative power of fake news.
Ultimately, educating individuals about their roles and agency in safeguarding the integrity of our digital world is essential.
