It is not humans’ responsibility to misuse technology. This discussion has become particularly prominent in the context of the current conditions arising from the development of artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence is pushing towards a situation where it could take human lives. Specifically, the technology of deepfakes requires consideration. This technology has been used for entertainment or scientific research purposes.
It has also been employed in Sri Lanka for highly aesthetic advertising. A notable incident involved using artificial intelligence to recreate the images of four helpless artists, H.R. Jothipala, Milton Mallawarachchi, Clarence Wijewardena, and Sunil Perera.
Using deep fake technology for creative purposes is not inherently wrong. However, the ongoing discussion revolves around using this technology to mislead the public. Deepfakes can potentially spread misinformation accurately, which is a hazardous situation.
This technology can produce presentations where people appear to say things they never actually said by capturing their voice recordings. It can also generate videos depicting a person’s facial expressions based on their photographs.
Such capable technical systems are continuously emerging. Deepfakes represent another form of artificial intelligence. Although this technology can be used in many beneficial ways, its potential misuse concerns us. Therefore, deepfakes create a situation akin to drinking milk through a strainer.
Taylor Swift’s nude photos
The situation surrounding world-famous American pop singer Taylor Swift is similar. Early last year, some photos and video footage related to her caused a controversial problem. Pop singer Taylor Swift faced significant pressure in this context as a globally recognised figure.
Although she has always dressed modestly to avoid appearing nude, she has never showcased her nudity. However, a sensational incident occurred when numerous nude photos of the attractive Taylor Swift spread across social media.
Millions of social media users scoured platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and websites to find her valuable nude images, which would likely never be seen again. During this situation, she also became a target of intense public scrutiny.
This controversial event that Taylor faced serves as a warning to the world. Nevertheless, it has made many people around the globe aware of the term “deep fakes.”
Creating and insulting through deepfakes
It was later revealed that the nude photos of Taylor Swift circulating on social networks and social media were fabricated images created through “deepfakes.” Along with this revelation, steps were taken to remove all her photos from social networks.
However, some of these images have been viewed by over 50 million people. This incident highlights the extent to which technological tools can threaten an individual. Taylor Swift’s situation serves as a powerful example of how this can be a significant threat to highly popular individuals.
The characteristics of deepfake
Deepfake technology creates edited images and videos to the extent that they cannot be identified as altered. This is why photos and videos that appear genuinely real are called “deepfakes.”
The American Writers Guild has organised a protest in Hollywood against this situation, emphasising that this technology poses a serious immediate danger. Additionally, the Guild has pointed out that artificial intelligence is severely impacting all professions.
Moreover, since deepfake technology is not comparable to tools like Photoshop, the Guild has urged the world to introduce technical measures that can prevent potential abusive scenarios that may arise from its use.
The creation of fake content through ‘deepfakes’ has increased by 550%
“Deepfake” can be identified as a technology that realistically portrays non-existent and fictional individuals. It can deeply replicate a person’s voice and facial features using artificial intelligence technology.
These are created by utilising specific algorithms that mix existing and new visuals. Today, using artificial intelligence to create videos that manipulate a person’s face, body, or voice has become a prevalent feature.
Since 2019, there has been a 550% increase in the creation of fake photos and videos globally, as revealed in a study conducted in 2023.
Generally, people tend to trust what they see rather than what they hear. While this reflects human nature, the current interpretation of this has changed. Today, people are compelled to reconsider what is accurate, whether it is seen or heard.
A threat to impact all sectors
Everyone who uses social media is a consumer of that social media. A recent incident involved an employee being defrauded of $25 million using deepfake technology. Accordingly, this technology can be a potent threat in every global field.
This can have a very high impact on powerful fields such as finance, law, politics, media, etc.. The beloved child a mother sees daily and holds in her arms can also be faked and technologically recreated. Although such things are presented as examples, it cannot be said that such threatening situations will not arise in the future.
Such things are happening not only in Western countries using artificial intelligence. Such people also operate in Sri Lanka. Last week, there was a report that several photos of female students participating in an online group class were downloaded via Telegram, edited as nude photos using artificial intelligence, and posted online.
Incidents of actual photos of girls being downloaded from social media, edited as nude photos using artificial intelligence technology, and posted online are still ongoing. There were. It can also be said that most of these cases go unreported.
To prevent threats to the existence of the future world
According to Deputy Inspector General Renuka Jayasundara, it is possible that there may not be a victim in cases related to artificial intelligence. Still, if the photo of a small child is manipulated, it can be treated as a social threat, and the law can be activated.
She points out that new laws concerning artificial intelligence tools must be implemented. According to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team, the number of complaints related to deepfakes increased in 2024 compared to 2023.
About 400 complaints were reported from January to November 2024. However, a time has arisen when careful consideration is necessary regarding this technology’s modernity and the positive and negative ways it can be utilised.
It is important for everyone to understand that in the future world, artificial intelligence, which is expected to carry out significant responsibilities for human existence, should not become a burden or a threat.
