ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – A deepfake video of a Here @ Home host was created in one day using free software, raising questions about how viewers can tell what’s real and what’s fake.
The clip, featuring anchors Natalie Faunce and Kimberly McBroom, was produced by director Joe Scartelli without either anchor directly participating in the final product.
Mr. Scartelli recorded the casters doing simple movements on their chairs and pulled their voices from previous broadcasts.
Using only those files and free software, he assembled a video in which he said the anchor did not actually participate.
the threat is already there
Faunce and McBroom said scams, social media clickbait and deepfake videos are already circulating online, setting up traps to trick viewers.
As technology advances, it becomes increasingly important to know how to identify manipulated videos for personal safety.
what to look for
Production studio The Corridor Crew, which received permission to share the content, created a video titled “How to teach moms how to spot fake AI videos” outlining the key red flags that viewers should be aware of.
“In the next 15 minutes, we think we can teach you, or anyone of any age, how to spot fake AI videos,” Corridor Crew members said in the video.
The video points out that visual inconsistencies are red flags, such as teeth that are blurry or inconsistent, or backgrounds that don’t look right.
Corridor Crew also emphasized the importance of basic critical thinking skills when evaluating video content.
The video begins by pointing out the dangers of the problem.
“There are comments at the top of all these videos: My parents are being cooked. My grandparents are being cooked,” a Corridor Crew member said of our tendency to believe what we see on screen.
AI is used in scams targeting families
Corridor Crew also highlighted an example of AI-generated voices being used for fraud, playing a clip of a voice saying, “Hey mom, it’s Nico, don’t worry — my leg is messed up, I need help — send me the money, send me the money.”
The anchors noted that the technology is becoming increasingly difficult to decipher, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real video and manipulated content.
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