Google is implementing changes to its search engine to address the growing issue of deepfake pornography. The tech giant aims to make it easier for victims to remove non-consensual explicit content from search results. Key measures include omitting explicit results for searches containing a person’s name, downranking websites with high removal notice volumes, and automatically removing duplicates of removed images. Google reports a 70% reduction in explicit deepfake content in search results since early 2024. However, challenges remain, such as limited access to third-party media data and balancing the needs of adult performers. The move comes as tech companies face pressure to tackle the social impacts of generative AI, with regulators like the UK’s Online Safety Act making non-consensual deepfake pornography illegal. While advocacy groups push for complete delisting of deepfake sites, Google argues this could block access to important information about content removal.

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• Elon Musk shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) that uses AI to imitate the voice of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, putting fake statements into her mouth without indicating that it was a fake or a parody.

• The doctored video appears to violate X’s policy, which states that synthetic media must be labeled or deleted if it could cause public confusion or harm. This is especially true for videos doctored by AI.

• The original creator of the video said it was a parody. Neither Musk nor Platform X have yet responded to criticism that the video could be misleading.

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I have decided to take a stance of not posting the absolutely ridiculous number of deepfake videos and doctored photographs circulating on the web. An astonishing number hit social media in a matter of hours. 

Some will question how I know they are deepfake. Let me put it this way – if I were to warn people or label something as being fake I would suddenly be caught up in conspiracy theories that would position me on one side or the other. That polarization is where we are at in this country. And it is dangerous as we saw with the assasination attempt on Trump. 

So I will stick to posting information on how to combat deepfakes, tools in assisting or determining doctored images, clips, or or what to look for. And, like everything else you are free to formulate your own opinion. 

Be careful. Don’t follow the herd mentality without knowing the facts. Be that person that takes a deep breath and pauses in rushing to rash decisions. 

This article discusses an early example of image manipulation from the 19th century involving portraits of Abraham Lincoln and John Calhoun. Here’s a summary:

1. A famous 1865 portrait of Abraham Lincoln was actually a doctored image using John Calhoun’s body from an 1852 painting.
2. The Lincoln photo used was taken by Anthony Berger in 1864 and was featured on the five-dollar bill from 1914-2007.
3. The manipulation involved superimposing Lincoln’s head onto a painting of Calhoun, a slavery advocate, creating an ironic juxtaposition.
4. This doctoring occurred after Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 when demand for his images surged.
5. The composite was likely created by printmaker William Pate, who also altered text in the image to reflect Lincoln’s values rather than Calhoun’s.
6. This historical example demonstrates that image manipulation predates modern digital techniques by over a century.
7. The article notes the irony of using Lincoln’s image, a symbol of emancipation, on the body of a slaveowner and nullifier.
8. It also mentions that Mathew Brady, a famous Civil War photographer, was known to doctor photographs to create more compelling images.

The article uses this historical case to illustrate that concerns about manipulated images are not new and have existed long before the digital age and AI.  

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YouTube has become a platform for the dissemination of AI-generated misinformation, particularly targeting Black celebrities. Numerous YouTube channels have been found to use AI and manipulated media to create and spread false narratives about prominent figures such as Sean “Diddy” Combs, Steve Harvey, Denzel Washington, and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

These videos often feature sensationalized and misleading thumbnails and titles, which attract millions of views. For instance, some content falsely implicated Diddy in sex trafficking scandals or depicted other celebrities in compromising situations without any basis in reality. This trend not only spreads misinformation but also tarnishes the reputations of the targeted individuals.

NBC News reviewed several channels that specialize in this type of content and found that many of these videos are highly monetizable, leveraging clickbait tactics to maximize viewership and ad revenue. The AI technology used enables the rapid production of these deceptive videos, making it challenging for content moderation systems to keep up​ (FactCheckHub)​​ (POCIT)​​ (Ground News)​.

Efforts to combat this phenomenon include YouTube’s plan to enforce stricter policies, such as requiring clear labels for synthetic and manipulated media in videos. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen as the volume of AI-generated misinformation continues to grow.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the articles from FactCheckHub, People of Color in Tech, and Ground News.

At Euro 2024, England head coach Gareth Southgate’s statements are not only scrutinized but also fabricated using AI. Fake interviews with Southgate, created with AI voice generators, have gained millions of views on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These videos falsely depict Southgate making derogatory remarks about players, including Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish, and Marcus Rashford. The Football Association has labeled these clips as “offensive” and is working to have them removed.

Some fans in Germany find the videos humorous, viewing them as harmless fun typical of British humor. However, concerns about the impact and ethics of AI-generated content persist. The FA emphasized that Southgate and the team remain focused on their upcoming match against Slovakia in the last 16, despite criticism of their performance.

Experts warn of the dangers posed by deepfake technology, not only for public figures but for anyone with a digital presence. Regulatory measures and societal consensus are needed to address the fine line between satire and harmful content.

For more details, you can read the full article on the BBC Sport website.