deepfake
DEEP-fayk
/ˈdiːp.feɪk/
Synthetic digital media in which a person's video, image, or audio likeness is convincingly altered using artificial intelligence.
Combines deep learning with fake media, generating near-imperceptible synthetic visual or vocal impersonations.
The story behind the word. Coined around 2017 on the online platform Reddit by a user named 'deepfakes' who utilized open-source deep learning neural networks (specifically GANs—generative adversarial networks) to swap faces into existing video files.
Word relationships
- synthetic media: Broader technical category encompassing all AI-generated content.
- digital forgery: Emphasizes the criminal aspect of forging documents or imagery electronically.
- authentic footage: Unmodified original audio or video recording.
Commonly confused with
- shallowfake: A shallowfake uses simple speed adjustments or basic video editing, while a deepfake relies on deep neural networks.
Word family
- deepfaking (noun): The act of generating AI-manipulated synthetic media.
Collocations
- deepfake technology
- detect deepfakes
- deepfake video
- deepfake audio
Idioms & expressions
- digital dopplegänger
- synthetic media
Example sentences
- "Experts warned that an advanced deepfake video could be deployed to impersonate corporate executives during wire transfer requests." Cybersecurity
- "The election commission introduced AI detection tools to identify deepfake audio clips targeting political candidates." Electoral Integrity
Memory hook
DEEP learning creates a convincing FAKE. AI-generated synthetic video or audio forgery.
When not to use
Do not use for traditional photo editing like basic Photoshop touch-ups that do not involve machine learning algorithms.
Fun facts
- Major news organizations now employ forensic media analysts specifically trained to look for subtle eye-blinking anomalies in deepfake video feeds.
Related words
Explore more words
Deep Learning, counterfeit, Artificial Intelligence, forgery, Pattern Recognition, identity theft
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