• Artificial intelligence has a role in creating deepfakes through deep learning technology. False images and videos are created through Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN). GAN contains neural networks that operate the same or close to neurons in the human brain. The neural networks are used in ‘learning’ from input data to create a new output that resembles the input data. Two pairs of algorithms, a generator and a discriminator, are used.

Disinformation is the deliberate creation and sharing of false information intending to deceive. Disinformation has grave consequences as it may cause shock and panic among information consumers. Imagine seeing a video on the internet of your president saying things he never did.

What impacts will this create on citizens? There are many social media users today, and it is on social media where you will find the prevalence of disinformation, which is exacerbated by users reposting the false information, knowing or unknowingly, and, by extension, sharing it with their close friends.

Artificial intelligence has a role in creating deepfakes through deep learning technology. False images and videos are created through Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN). GAN contains neural networks that operate the same or close to neurons in the human brain. The neural networks are used in ‘learning’ from input data to create a new output that resembles the input data. Two pairs of algorithms, a generator and a discriminator, are used.

The generator creates new data resembling real data, while the discriminator attempts to distinguish between real and new data. The deep learning is done repeatedly until the discriminator can not distinguish between real and new data. This means that this technology can be harnessed to create imagined data that can be used nefariously. Although accessing this technology seemed an expensive affair, attention should be paid as deepfakes have become so rampant.

One instance is the use of deepfakes in the political landscape, where leaders are portrayed to have said words they did not. This can be used to undermine existing governments and threaten peace.

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Deepfakes spread on social media, and their rapid sharing can also lead to cyberbullying and attacks. Another dreadful result of deepfakes is identity theft. Artificial intelligence tools enable this to make a voice similar to that of someone you know and can be used to access personal data or money fraudulently.