What is Deepfake and Fake Videos, How to Protect Yourself?
Deepfake is a term that combines “deep learning” and “fake”. It refers to a video that has been edited using an algorithm to replace the person in the original video with someone else, especially a public figure, in a way that makes the video look authentic. Deepfakes use a form of artificial intelligence called deep learning to make images of fake events, events that haven’t happened. Deepfake videos have risen in prevalence after the onset of numerous AI tools. Some AI tools are free to use and only go on to exacerbate the problem of fake photos/videos/audio.
: Rashmika Mandana Controversy :
In a recent turn of events, popular actress Rashmika Mandanna has found herself at the center of a controversy involving a deepfake video. The video, which has gone viral on social media,shows a woman entering an elevator, but her face has been digitally altered to rashmika Mandanna. This incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for legal action. Bollywood icon and co-star from Goodbye movie Amitabh Bachchan voiced his concerns about the trend of deepfakes and he pushed for legal action
Creation of Deepfakes
Deepfakes are created using a machine learning technique known as generative adversarial networks (GANs). A GAN consists of two neural networks, a generator, and a discriminator, that are trained on a large dataset of real images, videos, or audio. The generator network creates synthetic data, such as a synthetic image, that resembles the real data in the training set. The discriminator network then assesses the authenticity of the synthetic data and provides feedback to the generator on how to improve its output. This process is repeated multiple times, with the generator and discriminator learning from each other, until the generator produces synthetic data that is highly realistic and difficult to distinguish from the real data. This training data is used to create deep fakes which may be applied in various ways for video and image deep fakes:
(a) face swap: transfer the face of one person for that of the person in the video;
(b) attribute editing: change characteristics of the person in the video e.g. style or color of the hair;
(c) face re-enactment: transferring the facial expressions from the face of one person onto the person in the target video; and
(d) fully synthetic material: Real material is used to train what people look like, but the resulting picture is entirely made up.
Offences committed by using Deepfakes…
There is a possibility of the commission of crimes using the technology of deepfake. The technology itself does not pose a threat, however, it can be used as a tool to commit crimes against individuals and society. The following crimes can be committed using deepfake: Identity theft and virtual forgery. — Identity theft and virtual forgery using deepfakes can be serious offenses and can have significant consequences for individuals and society as a whole. The use of deepfakes to steal someone’s identity, create false representations of individuals, or manipulate public opinion can cause harm to an individual’s reputation and credibility and can spread misinformation.
Conclusion & Suggestion
The current legislation in India regarding cyber offences caused using deepfakes is not adequate to fully address the issue. The lack of specific provisions in the IT Act, of 2000 regarding artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deepfakes makes it difficult to effectively regulate the use of these technologies. In order to better regulate offences caused using deepfakes, it may be necessary to update the IT Act, 2000 to include provisions that specifically address the use of deepfakes and the penalties for their misuse. This could include increased penalties for those who create or distribute deepfakes for malicious purposes, as well as stronger legal protections for individuals whose images or likenesses are used without their consent. It is also important to note that the development and use of deepfakes is a global issue, and it will likely require international cooperation and collaboration to effectively regulate their use and prevent privacy violations. In the meantime, it is important for individuals and organizations to be aware of the potential risks associated with deepfakes and to be vigilant in verifying the authenticity of information encountered online.