In an era where information and media play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, the rise of deepfake technology poses a significant threat to the authenticity and integrity of visual content. Deepfake videos, fuelled by advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, have the potential to manipulate and deceive viewers by creating highly realistic yet entirely fabricated footage. The threat has been highlighted in India by a recent spread of viral deepfake videos featuring popular Bollywood actresses like Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif and Kajol Devgn for which the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has announced to work on this threat by devising decisive measures with formation of new regulations or amending the existing laws in order to deal with the deepfake menace.
One of the primary dangers of deepfake videos lies in their capacity to erode trust in the digital age. As these manipulated videos become more convincing, individuals may find it increasingly challenging to distinguish between genuine and fake content. The erosion of trust extends beyond personal relationships to institutions, media, and public figures. Deepfakes can be exploited to spread misinformation, leading to a loss of confidence in the authenticity of news and media outlets.
Secondly, deepfake videos have the potential to become powerful tools for political manipulation. By altering the words and actions of political figures, adversaries can create misleading narratives that influence public opinion, sway elections, and destabilise democratic processes. The ability to fabricate convincing videos of politicians engaging in inappropriate or scandalous behaviour poses a serious threat to the credibility of political figures and institutions.
Thirdly, the creation and dissemination of deepfake videos raise significant cyber security concerns. Malicious actors can use this technology to compromise the personal and professional lives of individuals by producing realistic but false content. Blackmail, identity theft, and corporate espionage are among the potential threats that can emerge as deepfake technology continues to advance.
In fourth, beyond the realm of politics and cyber security, deepfake videos can have profound social consequences. Individuals may fall victim to false accusations or damage to their reputation based on fabricated content. Relationships may be strained, and public discourse can be negatively impacted as society grapples with the uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of visual information.
And last but not the least, the proliferation of deepfake videos raises complex legal and ethical questions. Determining responsibility for the creation and dissemination of manipulated content becomes a challenging task. Existing legal frameworks may struggle to keep pace with the rapid development of deepfake technology, necessitating the creation of new regulations and ethical guidelines. As deepfake technology evolves, society must confront the inherent dangers it poses to truth, trust, and the very fabric of reality.
Mitigating these risks requires a multi-faceted approach, involving technological advancements, legal frameworks, and increased media literacy. In a world where the line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred, the preservation of truth and trust becomes an imperative for the well-being of individuals and the stability of society.
To counter this global issue, the entire Hollywood industry led by the Writers Guild of America in association with the Screen Actors Guild have been in strike since May 2 by highlighting several critical issues in the industry, including those pertaining to ‘Digital Replicas’ (Deepfakes) and demanding protection from the looming threats of the Artificial Intelligence (AI). Moreover, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held its first ever formal meeting on July 18 discussing the duality of risk and reward inherent in the emerging technology and to find out the way for confronting the new reality of generative and other AI tools. Recently, in the AI Safety Summit held on November 1-2, 2023 in Bletchley Park, UK, all the 28 participating countries (including China and the US) and the EU resolved the historic Bletchley Declaration on Artificial Intelligence with the aim of boosting global efforts to cooperate on AI safety by forging ethical and responsible AI development. The emergence and proliferation of AI technologies have undoubtedly transformed the modern world, much akin to the monumental changes wrought by cryptography during World War II at Bletchley Park. Just as the codebreakers at Bletchley demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the greater good, the responsible development and deployment of AI demand a similar dedication to ethical values and the collective benefit of humanity.
The Bletchley Declaration on AI recognizes the profound potential of artificial intelligence while emphasizing the critical importance of ethical considerations. Just as the codebreakers at Bletchley Park worked tirelessly for the greater good, today's AI developers and stakeholders are urged to embrace these principles to harness the power of AI responsibly, ethically, and in service of humanity. This theoretical Bletchley Declaration on AI serves as a call to action, inviting stakeholders - be they Governments, researchers, developers, or industry leaders - to embrace ethical guidelines that honour the legacy of Bletchley Park and its commitment to using technology for the betterment of society.
(The writer is general secretary, Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers, Odisha State Coordination Committee, Bhubaneswar; email: bsamalbbsr@gmail.com; (M) 9437022669)
