Over the past few decades, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly developed, improving the quality and efficiency of many industries. However, not all AI products have a positive impact on society. Sometimes technologies are created that are later abused by criminals. An example of such technology is known as Deepfake.
In the latest interview with Global Village Space, Defense Analyst Shahid Raza has explained how the technology that emerged from Hollywood is used for propaganda and why this is dangerous for Pakistan.
The 21st century’s answer to Photoshopping, deepfakes use a form of artificial intelligence called deep learning to make images of fake events, hence the name deepfake.
Raza said the specific purpose of this technology is to conduct propaganda or to disrupt someone’s reputation. But, he told a convincing deepfake is creating confusion among the society, not necessarily ‘changing’ their perception.
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How can it harm Pakistan?
He said while there isn’t any evidence of it being used in any large-scale scandal in Pakistan, the technology is primarily used to blackmail women by substituting faces. He meant that the goal is to create a zero-trust society, where people cannot distinguish truth from falsehood or no longer bother to. And when trust is eroded, it is easier to raise doubts about specific events.
When asked if deepfakes would be introduced in Pakistan through a foreign conspiracy, which the PTI is very vocal about, Raza said it was possible because Pakistan would have to export the incredibly advanced software and hardware required to imitate the subject’s voice as well as their face. However, he said if PTI’s fear turns into reality, it will be counterproductive for the party that releases it because AI can help trace its source.
He added that many terrorist groups operating from India or Afghanistan like to conduct propaganda within Pakistan, especially in the restive province of Baluchistan. For example, he said the pictures of Baluch people found dead in the desert went viral on Twitter. A particular group blamed Pakistan’s security forces for the killings and used it for political gains. But after investigation, it turned out to be a case of human trafficking.
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What’s the solution?
Raza said deepfakes could be countered through public awareness, formulation of laws against disinformation, and detection systems to flag up fake content for accountability. He said we live in a post-truth world, yet there’s no concept of net neutrality in Pakistan, and the laws aren’t as conducive either.
Regarding public awareness, he said several prominent personalities, including ex-President Barack Obama, are running a campaign in the US. During a speech at Stanford University last month, Obama outlined the threat that disinformation online, including deepfake technology powered by AI, poses to democracy and ways he thought the problems might be addressed in the United States and abroad.
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