Deepfakes: A Looming Threat to Democracy or an Exaggerated Concern?
As the global election year of 2024 approaches, cybersecurity experts sound the alarm over the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content on our perception of reality. They warn that deepfakes, realistic synthetic videos manipulated to portray people saying or doing things they never did, could weaponize misinformation and undermine trust in elections worldwide.
The Power of Deepfakes
Deepfakes harness the capabilities of generative AI, a type of AI that creates new data from existing data. These technologies allow anyone with access to powerful computing resources to create highly convincing videos or audio recordings of real people. The potential for abuse is immense, especially in the context of elections.
“Cybersecurity experts fear artificial intelligence-generated content has the potential to distort our perception of reality,” reports LA News Center.
A Vocal Dissenter
However, one cybersecurity expert, Martin Lee, takes a contrarian view. “I think that deepfakes aren’t as impactful as fake news is,” says Lee, technical lead for Cisco’s Talos security intelligence and research group.
Lee acknowledges that while deepfakes are a formidable tool, they are not as readily identifiable as traditional fake news. AI-generated content often possesses visual or audio anomalies that can reveal its synthetic nature.
Limited Usefulness
Matt Calkins, CEO of software development company Appian, echoes Lee’s sentiment. He believes that AI’s usefulness in generating convincing misinformation is limited. “Once it knows you, it can go from amazing to useful [but] it just can’t get across that line right now.”
Calkins warns that as AI advances, it could become a potent weapon in the hands of those seeking to manipulate public opinion. However, he expresses frustration with the lack of progress in regulating this transformative technology.
Defending Against Misinformation
Despite the concerns, cybersecurity experts emphasize that there are tried-and-tested strategies to identify and combat misinformation, whether human- or machine-generated.
Critical Thinking
“People need to be aware of these attacks and mindful of the techniques that may be used,” advises Lee. “When encountering content that triggers our emotions, we should stop, pause, and ask ourselves if the information itself is even plausible.”
Verification
“Has it been published by a reputable source of media?” asks Lee. “Are other reputable media sources reporting the same thing?” If not, it’s likely a scam or disinformation campaign that should be dismissed or reported.
The Road Ahead
As AI capabilities continue to evolve, it remains crucial for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to stay vigilant against misinformation. By practicing critical thinking, verifying information, and investing in responsible regulation, we can safeguard our democracies and maintain a society built on truth and accountability.
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
