An Appraisal of the Implications of Deep Fakes: The Need for Urgent International Legislations

Abstract

Purpose: Artificial intelligence as a subfield of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been a controversial concept since its inception. The reason for its controversy is that through it, incredible inventions and also inventions detrimental to the society have surfaced. A deep fake is an Artificial Intelligence technology that creates videos and images of persons and events that in fact did not happen. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the concept of deepfake, its positive impacts and threats posed to individuals, corporate institutions and nations. It further assesses the legal implications of and provisions against deep fakes. Methodology: The research methodology adopted in this study is doctrinal.  Just like every Artificial Intelligence technology, it has benefits that cut across the marketing, fashion, and art industry among others. However, the issue for determination remains whether the positive impact of this AI technology supersedes the negative impacts. Findings: Findings revealed that it has a high tendency to deceive an average person and also create uncertainty about the authenticity of a piece of information. This can lead to the spread of fake news, fraud, blackmail, fabrication of evidence, and even national and global insecurity. Trust in the social media and the internet generally will face a great decline at the spread of deepfakes, this will then be a medium for denial of videos that are in fact true. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The world is set to face a new and modified aspect of social engineering that will require an upgrade in cybersecurity techniques and strategies. By virtue of the sensitivity of the negative impacts of deepfake, this study concludes that it is necessary to promulgate legislations both at national and international levels to curb or regulate deepfakes.