Potential Solutions for Harmful Deepfakes
As deepfake technology becomes increasingly realistic and accessible, the risks it poses to individuals, institutions, and democratic society are growing exponentially. This essay offers a multifaceted response to the challenge, arguing that no single solution is sufficient. It explores the need for regulation of AI tools, automatic self-certification of synthetic media, and the role of governments and platforms in detecting and labelling harmful content. It also emphasises the importance of public education in fostering a ‘zero-trust’ mindset, particularly in political and official contexts where authenticity is critical. Balancing freedom of expression with public safety, the essay calls for swift, coordinated action to protect digital integrity in the face of rapidly advancing synthetic media.