Technological advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have given it the ability to fabricate realistic fake videos from scratch. These montages called "deepfake" represent a serious threat that could revolutionize the circulation of false information by integrating a massive network of distribution through the Internet. Apart from the humorous aspect of deepfake, it is the subject of debates involving both political and economic issues.
WHAT IS DEEPFAKE?
Deepfake is a word suitcase resulting from the combination of the terms "deep learning" and "fake news". Video and audio manipulation requires the intervention of an AI to generate a counterfeit video with a very realistic look. Based on a sufficient amount of images, the editor will be able to place an individual's face in place of other images without bringing out obvious inconsistencies in the modifications.
The technique was first used in 2017 to create pornographic videos featuring Hollywood celebrities and then moved towards spreading false information about politicians.
A TROUBLESOME TECHNOLOGY OF CONCERN
The use of deepfake to encourage misinformation is a concern for many governments and companies, as it is based in uncharted territory. Its destructive potential through false allegations has also found its way onto social networks. Facebook's chief operating officer, for example, has assured that he has deployed the necessary means to eliminate the problem.
The AIs responsible for the deepfake also have advanced tools to produce digital content similar to the original video and several government agencies are already working on multiple projects to establish effective detection methods. However, some details in deepfake videos can be identified without the intervention of specific solutions. In addition, the AI creating a deepfake will highlight a protagonist who does not blink and it is essential to know that a human being blinks for an interval of 2 to 10 seconds on average.
FIGHT AGAINST DEEPFAKE
Deepfake is considered a dangerous technology, but like all other human inventions, it can be oriented towards producing more virtuous and playful content for the public. Indeed, children's awareness of the culture of misinformation and the role of the media are key elements in preparing all individuals for the manipulation of information caused by these substitutes.
