Deepfake

It has been suggested that this article be merged with Synthetic media. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2024.

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Deepfakes (portmanteau of "deep learning" and "fake"^[1]) are synthetic media^[2] that have been digitally manipulated to replace one person's likeness convincingly with that of another. It can also refer to computer-generated images of human subjects that do not exist in real life.^[3] While the act of creating fake content is not new, deepfakes leverage tools and techniques from machine learning and artificial intelligence,^[4][5][6] including facial recognition algorithms and artificial neural networks such as variational autoencoders (VAEs) and generative adversarial networks (GANs).^[5][7][8] In turn the field of image forensics develops techniques to detect manipulated images.^[9]

Deepfakes have garnered widespread attention for their potential use in creating child sexual abuse material, celebrity pornographic videos, revenge porn, fake news, hoaxes, bullying, and financial fraud.^{[10][11][12][13]} The spreading of disinformation and hate speech through deepfakes has a potential to undermine core functions and norms of democratic systems by interfering with people's ability to participate in decisions that affect them, determine collective agendas and express political will through informed decision-making.^[14] This has elicited responses from both industry and government to detect and limit their use.^[15][16]

From traditional entertainment to gaming, deepfake technology has evolved to be increasingly convincing^[17] and available to the public, allowing the disruption of the entertainment and media industries.^[18]