Digital illusions – what they are and how to spot deepfakes

A deepfake is a method of creating fake content using sophisticated computer programmes (known as artificial intelligence). It involves creating extremely realistic, yet fake, images, videos or voice recordings.

It is an attempt to manipulate our perception of the real world – using the right tools, fraudsters can ‘swap’ any person’s face or perfectly replicate their voice. Criminals use this method to impersonate politicians, celebrities, and even members of our own families or staff at the bank where we hold an account. Their aim is to persuade us to carry out a specific task – such as making an urgent bank transfer, installing a malicious file, or simply believing false information.

During the course, we’ll explain exactly what a deepfake is and how it works – why it’s so easy to mistake an online scam for the truth, and what types of deepfakes exist. You’ll learn what to look out for to reduce the risk of falling for fake content, as well as how to respond if you come across such content. Together, we’ll discover that technology is a tool which, in the right hands, can be very useful, but it must be used with caution.