How to identify Deepfake videos and audio: 10 ways to stay informed

The technology market is rapidly advancing, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

However, the rise of Deepfake technology has become a growing concern.

Celebrities, politicians, and public figures, such as Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Katrina Kaif, have become victims of face-swapping, leading to the circulation of offensive content on social media.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about 'Deepfakes' and mentioned encountering a morphed video of himself doing Garba.

He emphasised the need for caution, stating, "I watched my deep fake video in which I am doing Garba. But the reality is that I have not done Garba after my school life. Someone made my deepfake video."

#WATCH | PM Modi says, " ...There is a challenge arising because of Artificial Intelligence and deepFake...a big section of our country has no parallel option for verification...people often end up believing in deepfakes and this will go into a direction of a big challenge...we… pic.twitter.com/akT17qGNGO

— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023

This misuse of technology has raised fears across society.

To help navigate this issue, here are some guidelines for identifying fake videos and audio on social media.

Unnatural Eye Movement

Watch for erratic or inconsistent eye movements in videos, as deepfakes may struggle to mimic natural gaze patterns. Genuine eye movements are usually smooth and purposeful.

Compare and Contrast Audio Quality

Authentic videos maintain consistent audio quality. Be wary of sudden shifts or inconsistencies in sound, which could indicate manipulated or synthesised audio.

Artificial Facial Movements

Detect fake videos by looking for unnatural facial expressions. Deepfakes might exhibit stiff or exaggerated movements that deviate from genuine human expressions.

Awkward Posture or Physique

Spot fake videos by observing awkward body postures or unrealistic physique. Deepfakes may struggle to replicate natural movements, resulting in stiffness or odd body positions.

Mismatches in Colour and Lighting

Identify deepfakes by noticing inconsistencies in color and lighting. Pay attention to unnatural shadows or colour shifts that may not align with the video's context.

Strange Body Shape or Movement

Be cautious of videos displaying unusual body shapes or movements. Deepfakes may distort proportions, leading to distorted or unnatural physical features.

Unnatural Positioning of Facial Features

Spot fake videos by scrutinising facial features. Look for discrepancies like misaligned eyes, distorted mouth movements, or unnatural positioning of facial elements.

Verify Before You Share

Prioritise verification before sharing videos. Cross-reference information, check the source's credibility, and be cautious about spreading content that seems suspicious.

Use AI Detection Tools if Possible

Leverage AI detection tools to identify potential deepfakes. Utilise advanced technology to analyze video content for inconsistencies and anomalies that may not be apparent to the naked eye.

Stay Informed

Stay updated on emerging deepfake technologies and methods. Being informed helps you recognise and adapt to evolving techniques used in creating fake videos.