How to detect AI deepfake videos

The Philippines has been adapting to artificial intelligence by using its latest tools.

However, Filipinos must learn how to mitigate its risks, such as the impact of AI deepfake videos. 

For example, Star Music, the agency behind the P-pop sensation BINI, announced that it will take action against inappropriate deepfake clips of the members. 

READ: AI deepfakes and their deeper impacts

Modern AI makes it easier to fabricate such content, so we will soon see more artificial content featuring various celebrities. Here’s how you and the public can spot deepfake videos: 

How to spot AI deepfake videos

Digital news platform TechTarget and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) explain that AI deepfake videos leave subtle artifacts or signs of artificial intelligence generation.

Know what these signs are to discern whether a specific clip is genuine or not. Most of the high-quality deepfake manipulations are facial transformations, so start with the face:

1. Play the video, look at the face, and pay attention to the features. See if specific features like the cheeks and forehead look older or younger than the other details as it plays. 
2. Look at the eyes and eyebrows and check the shadows. Sometimes, AI deepfake videos fail to represent properly how objects behave in real life.
3. Pay attention to the glare. Is there too much glare, and does it change as the person moves? If it does, that could be a sign of AI-generated content
4. Examine the facial hair or lack thereof. Does the mustache, sideburns or beard look real, and do they stay consistent throughout the video?
5. Check the other facial features like lip movements and blinking to confirm they’re normal. Otherwise, you might be looking at an AI fake.

More importantly, identify the source of the video. If it came from an unknown person or group, that’s a red flag for AI deepfake videos.

Watch enough deep fakes, and you’ll likely become better at detecting them. However, remember that this technology is advancing so quickly that it can fool even experts. 

Nevertheless, these basic steps will help you check shocking content first before reacting and sharing it online. This awareness promotes proper online etiquette among Filipinos so that they can prevent the spread of misinformation. 

Learn more about online security tips in this other Inquirer Tech article.