Behind the Mask: The Rise and Risk of Deepfakes

 By Brenda Kigen

In a world where truth was once easy to decipher and voices unmistakable, a new reality threat is blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Deepfakes- realistic but fake videos , images, and audio created using artificial intelligence are reshaping how we see, hear and trust information.

What began as a tool for entertainment has quickly evolved into a powerful force with the potential to mislead, manipulate, and even destroy reputations.

As technology spreads, one question becomes urgent; can we still believe what we see or hear on social media?

Deepfakes are created using artificial intelligence using a technique called deep learning.

The AI is trained using many pictures and videos of a person's face or voice. It learns how they talk , blink, smile and move then use that information to create a new fake version that looks and sounds real.

One of the main tools used is called Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), where one AI creates fake content and another tries to detect if it is fake.

With enough time, the results become very convincing. some people use this tech for fun or movies, but in the wrong hands, it can be used to deceive, spread lies or harm others.

Deepfakes pose serious dangers to individuals and society by spreading false information and eroding public trust .

They can be used to create fake videos of politicians, celebrities, or ordinary people, making it appear as though they said or did things they never did.

This can damage reputation, influence elections, and incite violence.

Deepfakes also fuel cybercrime, with criminals using fake videos or faces to scam people and steal money or gather sensitive information.

Moreover, they are often misused to produce non-consensual explicit content, especially targeting women, leading to harassment and emotional harm.

As deep fakes become more realistic,it becomes harder to know what is real, making society more vulnerable to manipulation and deception.

To do away with deep fakes, both technology and strict laws are needed.

First, experts are developing deepfake detection tools that use Artificial Intelligence to spot fake videos, images, or audio.

Social Media platforms can also use these tools to flag or remove harmful deepfakes before they spread.

Secondly , governments should introduce strict laws that punish those who create or share deep fakes for harmful purposes like fraud, harassment or spreading false information.

Public awareness is also key; people need to be educated on how to identify deep fakes and avoid sharing suspicious content.

Lastly, encouraging responsible use of AI and holding tech companies accountable can help reduce the creation and spread of deep fakes.

In conclusion deep fakes are clear example of how technology can be both beneficial and dangerous. It is up to individuals, governments, and tech companies to work together to prevent their misuse.

Only through awareness, strict laws, and advanced detection can we reduce the risk they pose to society.