deepfake
DEEP-fayk
/ˈdiːp.feɪk/
Synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness using deep generative neural networks.
Implies sophisticated artificial intelligence manipulation that creates highly convincing fake audio or video recordings.
The story behind the word. Coined in late 2017 by a Reddit user named 'deepfakes' who posted hyper-realistic face-swapped videos created using open-source deep learning frameworks. The term combined 'deep learning' (a subfield of machine learning) with 'fake' and quickly entered public discourse as a major ethical and security topic.
Word relationships
- synthetic media: 'Synthetic media' is the formal technical umbrella term, while 'deepfake' specifically emphasizes AI-generated impersonation.
- digital forgery: 'Digital forgery' includes traditional manual alterations, whereas 'deepfake' relies specifically on deep neural networks.
- authentic footage: Authentic footage is unmanipulated real-world audio or video recording.
Commonly confused with
- cheapfake: A 'cheapfake' relies on simple low-tech edits like slowing down audio or mislabeling dates, rather than advanced AI neural networks.
Word family
- deepfaking (noun): The process of creating synthetic media using AI.
Collocations
- deepfake technology
- audio deepfake
- detect a deepfake
- deepfake video
Example sentences
- "Security analysts warned that a convincing deepfake of a world leader could spread misinformation and spark diplomatic instability." Cybersecurity / Politics
- "The studio utilized deepfake technology to seamlessly de-age the veteran actor for the prologue sequence." Film Production
Memory hook
DEEP learning used to create a FAKE video. AI-synthesized face and voice swap.
When not to use
Do not use for basic photo edits, simple video cropping, or manual CGI visual effects made without deep learning algorithms.
Fun facts
- In 2020, major technology companies launched the Deepfake Detection Challenge, spending millions of dollars to build AI systems capable of catching automated visual manipulation.
Explore more words
Deep Learning, counterfeit, Artificial Intelligence, forgery, Pattern Recognition, identity theft
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