As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, voters need to be on high alert for misleading videos known as "shallow fakes" and "deepfakes" that could be used to influence opinions and even election outcomes.

Understanding Deepfakes and Shallow Fakes

Deepfakes are completely fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence to make it look like someone said or did something they never did. For example, a deepfake could show a candidate making an offensive statement they never actually made. While the technology to create highly realistic deepfakes is rapidly advancing, most are still detectable by expert analysis.

Shallow fakes, on the other hand, may pose an even bigger threat in 2024. These are subtly edited real videos that use AI to alter authentic footage in ways that change the meaning and influence viewers. For instance:

  • Editing out context: Cutting key parts of a speech to misrepresent what a candidate said.

  • Slowing down video/audio: Making a candidate appear tired, confused, or impaired.

  • Changing facial expressions: Altering expressions to convey a false emotion.

  • Adding or removing objects: Inserting or deleting things in the video to create a misleading narrative.

Recent Examples of Misleading Media

We've already seen early warning signs of shallow fakes and deepfakes popping up:

  • An AI-generated voice mimicking President Biden was used in robocalls to spread misinformation before the New Hampshire primary.

  • Fake AI-generated images spread online purporting to show Donald Trump with Black voters.

  • Deepfake audio targeted a Slovakian opposition leader days before their election, attempting to portray him discussing how to rig the vote.

The Growing Threat in the 2024 Election

As the election heats up, expect to see shallow fakes and deepfakes increasingly used in underhanded attempts to smear candidates, deceive voters, and undermine trust in the democratic process. These manipulations are not just limited to creating fake videos but also involve altering real footage to mislead the public.

How to Protect Yourself

Protect yourself by being highly skeptical of surprising or inflammatory video clips, especially when the source is unclear. Consult trusted fact-checkers and compare multiple reliable sources before drawing conclusions or sharing further.

  • Check the source: Verify where the video came from and who shared it.

  • Look for inconsistencies: Pay attention to mismatched lip-syncing, unnatural facial expressions, or irregular speech patterns.

  • Use verification tools: Tools like InVID and RevEye can help authenticate the origin of a video.

Conclusion

While shallow fakes and deepfakes pose real dangers, an informed and vigilant public is the best defense against those who would abuse technology to sabotage our elections. By staying informed, scrutinizing sources, and using verification tools, we can fight back against disinformation and protect the integrity of our democracy. Together, we can ensure that our electoral process remains fair and free from manipulation.

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