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FT Tech Tonic

The trouble with deepfakes: Beyond control?

Aug 29, 2024
Anita, a Twitch streamer, bravely shares her traumatic experience with unauthorized deepfake content. She discusses the emotional toll and the struggles she faced in removing these images online. The conversation highlights the disproportionate impact of deepfakes on women and the pressing need for effective regulations. Digital forensics expert Hany Farid and AI author Nina Schick join the discussion, exploring the challenges and potential technological solutions, like watermarking and detection software, to combat the rise of this technology.
22:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Deepfake technology poses a significant threat to personal privacy and emotional well-being, particularly exemplified by the rampant issue of non-consensual pornography.
  • Legislative efforts and technological safeguards like watermarking are crucial for addressing deepfake misuse, yet they must evolve alongside the technology itself.

Deep dives

The Impact of Faked Images on Politics

A notable example of manipulated media in politics is the faked photo of John Kerry with Jane Fonda that circulated during the 2004 presidential election. This image, intended to associate Kerry with Fonda's controversial anti-Vietnam War stance, became one of the first politically charged photos to spread virally on social media. Its impact was significant, as many voters, despite knowing it was fake, reported that it influenced their opinions about Kerry. This situation highlights a critical concern; even misinformation can affect perceptions and decisions, showcasing the complexity of public opinion shaped by manipulated images.

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