Deepfakes have become increasingly common and are now starting to impact every kind of communication. While it may not seem like it could affect you or your agency, it’s important to have a better understanding of what deepfakes are and how they could cause issues. Here are some top level points that could help you in the future.

There are several reasons why someone might create a deepfake about your agency or a member of your leadership team. A disgruntled citizen may use a deepfake to create false information about your organization or to discredit your leadership team. Alternatively, an activist group or individual might use a deepfake to spread misinformation or propaganda that supports their own agenda. 

In some cases, an upset employee or former employee might use a deepfake to seek revenge against your organization or to damage your reputation. By understanding these potential motivations, you can better prepare yourself to identify and respond to any deepfake-related risks that may arise.

What are deepfakes?

A deepfake is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) technology that is used to create realistic-looking videos, images, or audio recordings that are not real. This technology works by using machine learning algorithms to analyze and manipulate existing content, such as video footage or audio recordings, and then to generate new content that looks or sounds authentic.