Deepfakes are AI-generated images, audio, or video material that manipulate existing media or generate fake media. Often, deepfakes manipulate the face and/or voice of an individual to make it appear like they are saying or doing something that never took place. Despite being synthetic, deepfake media can appear highly authentic.
Sources:
Canadian Security Intelligence Service. (2023). Deepfakes: A Real Threat to a Canadian Future. https://www.canada.ca/en/security-intelligence-service/corporate/publications/the-evolution-of-disinformation-a-deepfake-future/deepfakes-a-real-threat-to-a-canadian-future.html
Check out this deepfake video of an AI-generated Morgan Freeman (source: Youtube/DiepNep):
Although arguments have been made for the positive impact of deepfakes, it's been shown that deepfakes have caused, and will continue to cause, more harm than good. Below are some of the main concerns surrounding the creation of deepfakes:
Learn more about the harms caused by deepfakes from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.