Might AI and Deepfakes Become Uninvited Guests to the US Election Party?

“Could AI and Deepfakes Sway the US Election?”

“As the 2020 election looms, any fool can see that the technological sophistication of deepfake production tools, when combined with the unrestrained amateur pornography industry, will lay the groundwork for an eruption of reality-distorting mischief.”

Take a step back and view the looming future: An ever-evolving canvas where the prolific spread of computer-generated pornography and election interference enthusiastically intertwine. What a bizarre, yet challenging world we’re striding into, where the simple swipe of a software can seamlessly merge identities or scenes to create a dangerously deceptive reality.

Anyone with a laptop and malicious intent can deface reality using deepfake technology. Propelled by the mechanics of artificial intelligence, this notorious tool allows for the creation of audio or video files that look frighteningly real. From replacing the face of a beloved sitcom actor to embedding politicians’ statements in damaging contexts, deepfakes are stirring up a cocktail of confusion and manipulation.

What chills the spine is the potential intersection of this technology with the unrestrained world of amateur pornography. Repurposing an innocent photograph into explicit content is disturbingly easy with deepfake software. The havoc it can potentially wreak on individuals and their lives needs little explanation. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but in today’s world, the saying ‘seeing is believing’ is fast becoming obsolete.

As the 2020 election draws near, one can only imagine the unsettling possibilities. An astute eye may catch apparent mismatches or unnatural movements, yet the sophistication of deepfake technology is rapidly advancing, making the detection an increasingly challenging task. The usual dynamics of election campaigns are sure to experience an upheaval. Politicians might have their words warped, reputations tarnished, and results manipulated, leading to a chaotic battleground.

The explosive potential of deepfakes isn’t necessarily a revelation. A proactive stance towards regulation is making its way into conversations, albeit slowly. However, the race against time to develop robust detection software or establish effective governance remains. As we watch this battle unfold, cue the popcorn.

The fusion of deepfake technology and rampant amateur pornography paints a daunting future. It’s a testament to the double-edged sword of technological advancement: for every stride in progress, there’s a potential leap into far murkier waters. The ease with which this technology can be harnessed to distort reality makes this not just a tech problem, but a societal concern. Tread lightly, because in this brave new world, you never know what’s lurking under the surface. So, brace yourselves – the future is now, and it isn’t as rosy as we would have preferred.

Read the original article here: https://www.wired.com/story/deepfake-porn-election/