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How dangerous are deepfakes?

Video designers can now create realistic depictions of fake events. What are the risks?

When a series of chillingly convincing Tom Cruise deepfakes went viral on TikTok this month, it brought home how fast synthetic media technology is evolving. Deepfakes are like photoshop for video – using a form of artificial intelligence called deep learning to create a realistic depiction of fake events. Are we entering an era where AI will let anyone make fake videos of anyone else? What will be the implications for individual dignity and privacy, and the shaping of public opinion and spreading disinformation? How might the technology bring new story-lines to filmmakers and joy to people who can now hear from their deceased relatives? What are the ethics of these developments and how do we regulate the technology as it continues to get better? Ritula Shah and a panel of experts discuss how deep fakes might change the world – for better and worse - and what we need to do now to get ready.

Available now

53 minutes

Last on

Sat 13 Mar 2021 04:06GMT

Contributors

Deborah Johnson - Professor of applied ethics, University of VirginiaÌý

Francesca Panetta - Immersive artist and journalistÌý

Alan Zucconi - Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence, Software Developer and Science CommunicatorÌý

Featuring,Ìý

Chris Ume -ÌýVirtual effects and AI artistÌý

Noelle MartinÌý- Campaigner against image-based sexual abuseÌý

Picture

A collage of real and synthetic media generated faces. Credit: Getty Images

Broadcasts

  • Fri 12 Mar 2021 10:06GMT
  • Sat 13 Mar 2021 00:06GMT
  • Sat 13 Mar 2021 04:06GMT

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