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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, concerned by the rise of AI-generated “deep fakes” being used to create harmful videos, we’ve partnered with Digital PR Agency to provide the public with tips on how to spot deep fakes.


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From Amy Schumer to Chris Rock, a growing chorus of celebrities is sounding the alarm on the dangers of “deepfake” technology. These AI-generated likenesses of public figures are increasingly used to create misleading and harmful videos, with Scarlett Johansson emerging as a frequent target, according to recent McAfee data.

To help the public navigate this evolving landscape of digital deception, we have collaborated with Digital PR Agency to create top tips for how to spot deep fake videos and protect yourself from falling victim to misinformation.

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What Are Deep Fakes And Why Are They Dangerous?

Deep fakes are synthetic media created using artificial intelligence (AI) that manipulate existing images or videos to make someone appear to be saying or doing something they never did.

How Deep Fakes Work

  • Sophisticated AI algorithms: These algorithms are trained on vast amounts of data to learn patterns in human faces, voices, and movements.
  • Manipulation: This allows them to seamlessly swap faces, manipulate expressions, and even generate entirely synthetic voices and body movements.

Why are Deep Fakes Dangerous?

  • Dissemination of misinformation: Deepfakes can be used to create highly convincing fake news, propaganda, and hoaxes, potentially swaying public opinion, influencing elections, and inciting violence. 
  • Damage to reputation: Individuals can be maliciously targeted with deepfakes that portray them in compromising or criminal situations, damaging their reputation and personal lives.
  • Erosion of trust: The increasing sophistication of deepfakes can erode public trust in media, politics, and even everyday interactions.
  • National security threats: Deepfakes can be used for impersonation, blackmail, and even to incite social unrest or destabilize governments.

In summary: Deepfakes represent a powerful and evolving technology with the potential for both positive and negative impacts.

While they can be used for entertainment and creative expression, their misuse poses serious threats to individuals, society, and national security.

The World Economic Forum has flagged disinformation as a top risk, with deepfakes emerging as one of the most alarming uses of AI. If you come across a potential deepfake, the best course of action is to refrain from sharing it. The power of a deepfake lies in its ability to spread, and its impact diminishes if it doesn’t disseminate widely. If you see someone else sharing it, take a moment to courteously inform them and point them to reliable fact-checking resources, especially if the fake has been debunked. Additionally, leverage reporting features on social media platforms to limit its reach.

It’s vital that we all play a role in raising awareness – share your experience and insights on how you recognized deepfakes to help others counteract similar threats. By staying vigilant about the content we consume online, we can collectively fight misinformation and safeguard the integrity of our digital environment.

-AI expert at AIPRM, Christoph C. Cemper

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How To Spot Deep Fakes

1. Verify the source and context

The rapid spread of fake news on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) poses a significant threat to informed public discourse. With nearly 30% of Americans relying on social media as their primary news source, the potential for misinformation to influence public opinion and even real-world events is substantial.

To combat this issue, it’s crucial to cultivate a discerning eye for credible information. Always critically examine the source of any news you encounter on social media. Is it from a reputable news organization with a track record of accurate reporting? Is it from a verified official account? If the source is unfamiliar or appears dubious, take the time to cross-reference the information with reliable news outlets or utilize fact-checking platforms like Google Fact Check Tools.

Remember that misinformation often exploits our emotions. Fear, anger, and outrage are powerful motivators that can cloud our judgment and make us more susceptible to believing false information. When you encounter content that evokes strong emotional responses, pause and reassess. Ask yourself if the information aligns with your knowledge and understanding of the world, and whether it’s coming from a trustworthy source. By cultivating a healthy skepticism and prioritizing critical thinking, you can navigate the complex landscape of online information and avoid falling victim to the spread of misinformation.

2. Observe facial expressions and movements

Deep Fake Tom Cruise, Credit: TikTok @deeptomcruise on The Table Read Magazine
Deep Fake Tom Cruise, Credit: TikTok @deeptomcruise

Deepfakes, while becoming increasingly sophisticated, often exhibit telltale signs that can reveal their artificial nature. One of the most common giveaways lies in the subtle nuances of human expression.

Pay close attention to microexpressions around the eyes and mouth. Unnatural blinking patterns, disjointed eye movements, or jerky head motions can be strong indicators of a deepfake. Carefully observe whether the facial expressions align with the spoken words and the overall emotional context.

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Furthermore, scrutinize the finer details of the subject’s appearance. Inconsistent teeth, unnatural hair textures, or slight distortions in facial structure can be revealing. For instance, in Chris Umé’s viral 2021 deepfake of Tom Cruise performing a coin trick, which fooled 78% of viewers, subtle discrepancies in the shape of the face and ears provided key clues. Replicating these intricate details accurately remains a significant challenge for deepfake technology.

To enhance your ability to detect deepfakes, pause the video and closely examine the subject’s facial features. Look for inconsistencies in the shape of the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. Are the shadows and highlights realistic? Do the facial expressions appear fluid and natural, or are there any signs of stiffness or unnatural movement?

By cultivating a keen eye for these subtle discrepancies and employing a critical mindset, you can better navigate the evolving landscape of deepfake technology and avoid falling victim to misinformation.

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3. Use reverse image and video search tools

In the age of digital manipulation, reverse image and video search tools have become invaluable assets for verifying the authenticity of online content.

  • Reverse Image Search: By uploading an image to platforms like Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye, you can quickly determine its origin. This can help you identify if the image has been AI-generated, manipulated, or used out of context. The search engine will present you with a list of websites and pages where the image has appeared previously, allowing you to trace its journey and assess its credibility.

  • Reverse Video Search: Tools like InVID and Google Lens offer powerful video search capabilities. These tools can analyze keyframes from a video and compare them against a vast database of images and videos online. This can help detect modifications, such as spliced clips, manipulated audio, or deepfakes. By identifying previous appearances of the video footage, you can gain valuable insights into its origin and potential misuses.

By utilizing these powerful search tools, you can become a more discerning consumer of online information. Remember to always question the authenticity of what you see and take the time to investigate the source and context of any image or video before accepting it as truth.

4. Look for digital artefacts and inconsistencies

Deepfakes, while becoming increasingly sophisticated, often leave behind subtle digital fingerprints that can reveal their artificial nature.

Visual Clues:

  • Scrutinize for Digital Artifacts: Pay close attention to areas of blurriness or unnatural pixelation, particularly around the edges of faces, hair, or objects. These can be signs of imperfect image synthesis or manipulation.
  • Check for Inconsistencies: Look for inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, reflections, or even the number of fingers. These anomalies can indicate that the image or video has been manipulated.
  • Analyze the Background: Carefully examine the background for distortions, irregularities, or objects that appear out of place. These inconsistencies can disrupt the overall coherence of the scene and suggest that the image or video has been tampered with.

The viral deepfake of Pope Francis sporting a Balenciaga puffer jacket last year serves as a stark reminder of the potential for deception. While remarkably convincing to many, the image exhibited several telltale signs of manipulation, including distorted glasses fused to his cheek and blurred fingers seemingly grasping thin air instead of the coffee cup he was holding.

To hone your ability to spot deepfakes, consider engaging in interactive exercises. The “Which Face is Real” game, developed by professors at the University of Washington, provides a fun and engaging way to practice identifying subtle cues that distinguish real faces from AI-generated ones. By consistently challenging yourself with these types of exercises, you can significantly improve your ability to recognize the patterns and anomalies associated with deepfake technology.

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5. Check for audio-visual synchronisation

One of the most effective ways to detect a deepfake is by closely observing the speaker’s lip movements. Our mouths form unique shapes when pronouncing different sounds, particularly consonants like “M,” “B,” and “P.” Deepfake algorithms, despite significant advancements, often struggle to accurately replicate these intricate mouth movements.

If you notice discrepancies between the sounds being spoken and the corresponding lip movements, it could be a strong indicator of a deepfake. For instance, the speaker might pronounce a “B” sound while their lips appear to be forming a different shape.

Furthermore, pay close attention to the speaker’s tone and pitch. Deepfakes may exhibit subtle inconsistencies in vocal delivery, such as unnatural pauses, abrupt changes in pitch, or a robotic-sounding voice.

A notable example of these inconsistencies can be observed in a deepfake video of Mark Zuckerberg. While the video appeared remarkably realistic at first glance, closer scrutiny revealed subtle mismatches between Zuckerberg’s speech and his lip movements, exposing the manipulation.

By carefully observing these subtle cues, you can significantly improve your ability to detect deepfakes and navigate the evolving landscape of digital deception.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of deepfake technology presents both exciting possibilities and significant challenges. While these AI-powered creations can be used for entertainment and creative expression, their potential for misuse is undeniable. By cultivating a critical eye, honing your observation skills, and utilizing available tools, you can become more adept at identifying deepfakes and navigating the evolving landscape of digital deception. Remember to always question the authenticity of what you see online, cross-reference information from multiple sources, and prioritize critical thinking in the face of increasingly sophisticated forms of media manipulation.

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