Technology is advancing at an alarming rate, and new software makes things seem a little scary at times. Differentiating what is real and fabricated became more challenging in the age of the internet. While stealing people’s faces for fake accounts or advertisements was a known risk for years, Deepfake videos take this identity theft a step further.

Deepfake videos are a scary new phenomenon that you can see examples of online. Deepfakes were around for years already. However, it seems these videos became more popular in recent years. There are tons of reasons people create Deepfakes, and it’s essential to learn about them to stay safe online.

What Are Deepfake Videos?

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Deepfake videos reference an artificial intelligence (AI) technique called deep learning. The method involves an AI program collecting data to continue to “get smarter.” In terms of Deepfake software, AI programs gather data relating to facial movements and structure in video formats.

Once the program knows what a face should look like when speaking in a particular way, it can fabricate videos. Successful programs superimpose desired facial movements (that match desired words/ expressions) over existing bodies. The result is making anyone you want to appear to say what you want them to say.

Why Are Deepfake Videos Dangerous?

Many people use this technology for a purely comedic purpose. Superimposing celebrities or favorite characters to say funny things can make for some enjoyable viral content. However, not all viral content has such innocent intentions. While not all Deepfake videos are malicious, the tools have the potential to cause some real trouble.

A good demonstration on where Deepfake could go wrong came to us from Jordan Peele. The famous producer, actor, and comedian is known for his spot-on Obama impressions. While his skits were accurate, it was still evident that they were merely parodies performed by someone who kind of resembled Obama.

However, when he used his voice to dub a Deepfaked video of Obama, the results were scarily convincing. This 2018 stunt showed viewers how Deepfake could go wrong, and we should really watch out for the potential threats that lay ahead of us if we don’t take it seriously. Deepfake technology has only been further sophisticated since Peele made his point.

Obama

Deepfake videos aren’t just a problem for politicians or celebrities. Essentially, all someone needs is a photo or videos and some incriminating audio, and the Deepfake program will take care of the rest. You might have noticed you can make these fun videos using apps or filters.

Theoretically, anyone can make these videos of you. All they need is your photo and some imagination. Considering the large percentage of people active on social media, it’s probably easy to grab a picture or two of anyone you know.

Imagine if someone had bad intentions and wanted to edit you into some controversial situations. These tools could compromise your work, academic, or personal relationships (depending on the user's intention).

Should I Be Worried About Deepfake Videos?

While these fun filters are pretty obvious edits, the technology is advancing. The more sophisticated they become, the harder it is to tell that they are fabrications. Even if you can prove that they are false, consider the social repercussions of bad publicity going viral.

That said, it’s pretty challenging to make a convincing Deepfake. A perfect one would require a collection of pictures, access to an excellent program, and audio that could pass as you. Frankly, this should be a genuine concern for politicians or other high-profile figures. Even then, successful attacks are incredibly rare.

The average person shouldn’t have to worry too much about Deepfake videos. They require a lot of effort and resources for petty revenge schemes. This doesn’t mean that you should completely negate internet safety, though. The few precautions you can take to prevent Deepfake attacks are good safety tips to keep your information private.

How Do I Protect Myself From Deepfake Attacks?

Deepfakes are becoming indistinguishable from the real thing

Unfortunately, there aren’t many foolproof strategies to prevent Deepfake attacks. Deepfake software requires very little to actually work. Chances are, if you are already active on any social media platform, your information is already out there. There are some simple tips to follow to reduce your chance of being a victim of a Deepfake attack.

Reduce Your Posts

Every time you share something on the internet, it is essentially there forever. Even if you block people from your profile or delete posts, traces of information remain. It’s a great idea to limit your social media posts.

While it is nice to let everyone know what you are up to, sharing hundreds of photos online makes you vulnerable to cyber-attacks. No one expects you to have zero pictures online in this day in age, but it’s a smart idea not to post excessively.

Keep Accounts Private

If you still want to remain active on social media, consider limiting the reach of your posts. Although this is not a foolproof way to protect your photos, making your profile private is smart to keep your pictures between known individuals. Refrain from adding or interacting with strangers you don’t know. This is a general rule of thumb, as you don’t want to end up on the wrong end of a catfishing or phishing scam.

Don’t Trust Everything You See Online

Remember, just like people can steal photos and make fake profiles online, Deepfake programs allow scammers to take it a step further. Use good judgment before believing anything you see online.

This advice applies to new stories, photos, and videos. Using online tools can teach you how to detect fake information.

Do I Need to Protect Myself From Deepfake Videos?

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The sophistication of Deepfake videos is incredibly worrying, so we must stay vigilant. Although there is very little we can do to prevent attacks, practicing basic internet safety is critical to keep you safe from all sorts of scams and scandals.

The best defense against the tragedy of a Deepfake video is education. Learning more about the threats that linger on the internet gives us the mental tools we need to handle these attacks. Remember, don’t trust everything you read online.