The rapid progress in computer technology has ushered in remarkable strides in the realm of simulating reality. A noteworthy development has been the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated media, specifically videos adept at convincingly emulating real individuals. This phenomenon has captured considerable interest, as these videos have the uncanny ability to convey the impression that a person is engaging in actions or uttering words they have never actually performed.
According to a recent survey focusing on deepfake content, a staggering 98% of all online deepfake videos consist of adult content. Furthermore, an overwhelming 99% of the convincingly realistic pornography predominantly features female subjects. In terms of vulnerability to deepfake adult content, India holds the sixth position among nations.
The 2023 State of Deepfakes report, published by Home Security Heroes, a United States-based organization, highlights that individuals in the public eye, especially those within the entertainment sector, are at a heightened risk. This is attributed to their prominence and the potential repercussions on their careers.
Utilizing deepfake technology involves the fabrication of videos by either substituting faces or modifying voices.
As indicated in the report, a staggering 94% of individuals portrayed in deepfake pornography videos have ties to the entertainment industry. This encompasses singers, actresses, social media influencers, models, and athletes.
Why Deepfake Pornography is on the Rise?
The survey emphasizes that the evolution of deepfakes has been significantly influenced by two key factors: the proliferation of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and the growing accessibility of user-friendly tools, software, and communities.
According to the same survey, a noteworthy statistic reveals that one out of every three deepfake tools grants users the ability to produce adult content through AI-powered manipulation techniques.
Additionally, it notes that 92.3% of these platforms provide free access, albeit with certain restrictions.
In separate incidents, a Twitch streamer was discovered featured on a website notorious for producing AI-generated adult content featuring fellow streamers. Additionally, a cohort of students from New York created a video in which their principal was manipulated to utter racist comments and make threats against students.
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, AI-generated videos are being employed as a means to spread political propaganda.
Evidently, there has been a widespread adoption of user-friendly deepfake tools, with around 42 different tools collectively amassing 1 crore monthly searches. These tools serve a wide-ranging user base, with 40 percent available as downloadable applications and the remaining 60 percent accessible through web-based platforms, offering diverse options for users.
The survey brings to light that 20 percent of the participants have contemplated acquiring the skills to produce deepfake adult content, indicating a burgeoning interest in this technology. Furthermore, one in ten respondents confessed to having made attempts at creating deepfake adult content featuring public figures.
