In 2017, the internet went wild when an anonymous Redditor uploaded videos where the faces of Scarlett Johansson and other celebrities were stitched onto the bodies of porn actors. Inevitably, the news about deepfakes spread like wildfire. While some were amused, many were concerned about the malicious use and abuse of this new technology.
What Are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are created using deep learning technology, a branch of machine learning that uses massive data sets and applies neural net simulation to create doctored photographs and videos. When used ethically, deepkfake technology could help 3D artists and filmmakers create amazing footage. However, when used with malicious intent, deepfakes could be a threat to world security and create perils in societies.
Best Deepfake Examples
Because celebrities and politicians, among other high-profile personalities, have ample photos and footage available for public viewing, they make the easiest targets for deepfakes. Check out these most amusing (and scariest) deepfake examples that show how far this technology could go.
SEE ALSO: Number Of Deepfake Videos Online Rises 84 Percent In Less Than A Year
When President Donald Trump Lectured Belgium
In May 2018, Socialistische Partij Anders (sp.a) of Belgium posted a video that appears to be the first known case of political party-related deepfake. In the video, President Trump was shown mocking their country for staying in the Paris climate agreement. Although his strange hair and mouth movements are easy giveaways that the video is fake, the clip was enough to make users believe it was real and provoke them to throw harsh comments about the American president.
In the end, sp.a had to clarify that the video was fake to stop people from putting even more malicious intent on the footage.
When Former President Barack Obama Made a Weird Public Announcement
Among the most convincing deepfakes produced were the ones where impersonators mimic the source's voice and gestures to make the video look real. This video produced by BuzzFeed featuring Former President Barack Obama is one of them.
Using After Effects CC and the FakeApp, comedian Jordan Peele made a weird public announcement as President Obama, saying:
"You are entering an era which our enemies could make it look like we're saying anything at any point in time, even if they would never say those things. So, for instance, like you can have me say things, like, I don't know... Killmonger was right."
Seconds later, Jordan Peele appeared side by side with Obama, revealing that the video was fake.
When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Slurred in Her Speech
Although it's not deepfake, this digitally altered video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shows how the misuse of this technology could spark political chaos. In a video slowed down by 25 percent and an altered pitch, the house speaker appeared to be slurring her words in a seemingly drunken state.
Posted by a Facebook page called Politics Watchdog, the video was shared by users worldwide, including high-profile personalities such as former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. The former mayor even tweeted: "What is wrong with Nancy Pelosi? Her speech pattern is bizarre." President Trump also retweeted the video, arguing that it was real.
After fact-checking, Facebook reduced its distribution but refused to remove the clip in the platform.
When Mark Zuckerberg Boasted How Facebook Owns Its Users
View this post on Instagram[NEW RELEASE] 'I wish I could...' (2019) Mark Zuckerberg, founder of @facebook reveals the 'truth' about privacy on #facebook . This artwork is part of a series of AI generated video works created for 'Spectre' - an immersive exploration of the digital influence industry, technology and democracy. [link in bio]. Art by Bill Posters & @danyelhau for @sheffdocfest @sitegallery #artnotmisinformation #thefutureisntprivate #deepfakes #deepfake #spectreknows #surveillancecapitalism #privacy #democracy #dataism #contemporaryartwork #digitalart #generativeart #newmediaart #codeart #markzuckerberg #artivism #contemporaryart A post shared by Bill Posters (@bill_posters_uk) on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:18am PDT
When Facebook refused to turn down Nancy Pelosi's doctored video, artist Bill Posters posted a deepfake video on Instagram to see if the platform would react differently if its founder was involved.
The video shows Mark Zuckerberg talking about the truth of Facebook and who really owns the future. Instagram didn't remove the video, stating that they would treat the content the same way they treat all misinformation on the platform.
Wrap Up
These are only a few examples of how deepfake could affect politics and society in general. In the future, even normal people could fall victim to these scams, given the average number of selfies a user takes each year and makes available to the public.
RELATED LINK: Facebook To Make Its Own Deepfake Videos To Detect AI-Manipulated Footage
