March 4: How Deep Deepfake can go? It is the hot topic, and the mystery has been to an extent explained by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently. He warned against risks that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and deepfakes pose for national security and said attempts of foreign interference through the cyber domain are growing.
In an era where technology blurs the lines between reality and illusion, deepfakes have emerged as both captivating and concerning. These sophisticated manipulations of audio and video content have the potential to revolutionize entertainment, journalism, and even politics. But how deep do these fakes go? Let’s dive in and explore the depths of this digital phenomenon.
Jaishankar Explains the threat of Deepfake Videos
In an interactive session at a think-tank, Jaishankar said there is an urgent need to fight shield the nation against threats arising from the cyber domain.
“When we think of security, it is not just the defence of the borders, it is not countering terrorism alone…. But there is the daily routine which is so susceptible today to manipulation and this is growing,” he said.
“I would say frankly, in many ways, today foreign interference in this country is growing. It is important for the average person to understand how the world is changing because it is an era of AI (artificial intelligence) and deepfakes,” Jaishankar said.
The external affairs minister was speaking at the Ananta Aspen Centre.
“They will not come out of thin air. They are today at a certain level. There was a whole culture and a process which has allowed it to happen,” he said.
Jaishankar was questioned whether India is becoming a surveillance state as the map of security threats to the ordinary Indian has increased exponentially.
What Are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are synthetic media created using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, particularly deep learning algorithms. These algorithms analyze and manipulate existing content—usually faces or voices—to produce highly convincing forgeries. The term “deepfake” itself combines “deep learning” and “fake.”
The Technology Behind Deepfakes
Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): GANs consist of two neural networks—the generator and the discriminator—locked in a competitive dance. The generator creates fake content, while the discriminator tries to distinguish it from real content. Over time, this adversarial process results in increasingly realistic deepfakes.
Autoencoders: Autoencoders encode input data into a lower-dimensional representation and then decode it back to the original format. By training on vast amounts of data, autoencoders learn to capture essential features, making them useful for creating deepfakes.
Applications and Implications
Entertainment: Deepfakes allow actors to step into iconic roles, resurrecting legends like Audrey Hepburn or James Dean. Imagine a movie where Humphrey Bogart shares the screen with Scarlett Johansson—a seamless blend of old and new.
Misinformation and Manipulation: Deepfakes can deceive viewers by altering political speeches, creating fake news broadcasts, or even fabricating compromising videos. The potential for misinformation is immense.
Privacy Concerns: Anyone’s face can become fodder for deepfakes. Privacy violations, revenge porn, and identity theft are real risks.
“It is not a question of being paranoid. I mean, there are real problems out there. It is not again a question of surveillance. There is a certain responsibility that the state has. Let us not confuse anarchy and irresponsibility with freedom,” he said.
As deepfake technology advances, we face ethical dilemmas. How do we balance creativity, freedom of expression, and the need to protect truth? Legislation and awareness play crucial roles.
Conclusion
The rabbit hole of deepfakes is both thrilling and treacherous. As we marvel at their capabilities, we must also tread carefully. So, the next time you encounter a jaw-dropping video, ask yourself: How deep is deepfake? The answer might surprise you.
Remember, in this digital age, not everything is as it seems.
