What is a “deepfake”?

A deepfake is an AI generated image, video, or audio recording, typically used to spread false information. In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled deepfakes to seem so realistic that it can be hard for the most skilled experts to spot them as fake.

What can we do to fight deepfakes?

AI has the potential to help address some of our greatest societal challenges. But the AI technologies used to create deepfakes are widely available and not limited to those who care about responsible use. This makes well-informed citizens like yourself essential to curbing the spread of deepfakes.

Check (and recheck) your sources

It is important to be a critical consumer of information and to verify sources. Always confirm that the information comes from a known, trusted source or an reliable authority.

Check for accuracy before sharing or commenting on information

It’s equally important to prioritize accuracy over speed, and to comment upon and share information thoughtfully. The best way to stop the spread of a deepfake is to avoid sharing or commenting upon it further. If a headline, video, image, or audio recording seems sensational, be sure to read the full story and verify its source before  you trust, comment upon, or share it further.

Report suspected deepfakes and disinformation to social media authorities for review

Many social media companies have built powerful protection features to detect and label AI-generated content and deepfakes so that users can understand their sources. But if you see content that you strongly suspect may be a deepfake, flag it to the platform (typically in the “report” option in a post).

As technologies keep developing, keep your media literacy skills sharp

Learning about deepfakes is an important step in a continuous journey of improving your media literacy and fact-checking skills. Learn more on the News Literacy Project site and encourage others to do the same.

Source: Combating the deceptive use of AI in US elections (microsoft.com)