Deep fakes: Identity misuse with the help of artificial intelligence

AI can be exploited by criminals to steal identities and misuse them for other illegal activities. One example of this is deepfake technology, in which AI is used to create deceptively real videos in which people appear to say or do things that they have never done. Such fakes can be used for blackmail, fraud or even political manipulation.

What are deepfakes?

Deepfakes are computer-generated fake media content created with the help of AI. They are typically used to manipulate the appearance or voice of a person in audio files, videos or images to give the impression that the person in question has actually made statements or performed actions that never actually took place. The technology behind deepfakes is based on so-called generative neural networks, specifically on a method called "deep learning".

How do criminals use deepfakes?

FraudCriminals can use deepfakes to impersonate someone else and carry out fraudulent activities. For example, they could create fake videos pretending to be a public figure to obtain money from unsuspecting victims or to promote fraudulent investments.

Damage to reputationThrough the use of deepfakes, fake videos or images can be disseminated in which a person appears to be involved in questionable or illegal activities. This false evidence can lead to serious personal and professional consequences and cause lasting damage to a person's reputation.

Political manipulationFake videos of politicians or celebrities can be used by political actors to spread false information and try to manipulate public opinion and thus influence elections.

It is important that society is aware of the existence of deepfakes and develops mechanisms to recognise and curb their spread, whereby technical solutions for detecting deepfakes will also be indispensable.

The federal government has already published Hints and some tips for recognising deepfakes.