A Practical Guide to Deepfake Detection

In this era of unprecedented technological progress, the increasing use of deepfaked imagery in traditional and social media is ushering in new challenges, particularly in identity, privacy, and trust. As the creation and consumption of hyper-realistic deepfake-powered imagery is increasingly pervasive, the spread of digitally manipulated imagery is undermining the public’s understanding of what is real and what is not. This has significant implications for democracy, national security, and human rights. Meanwhile, in the context of digital identity, deepfakes are emerging as a threat in both selfie and identity document images, especially in remote enrollment scenarios.

While deepfakes are thoroughly discussed by companies, academia, the press, and the general public, the topic of deepfakes is complex, multifaceted, and frequently misunderstood. In this guide, we will introduce the landscape of facial deepfakes and deepfake detection, covering the technical complexities of what face deepfakes are, the threats they pose, the role of AI in detection, and the significance of accurate identification in preserving the integrity of digital content.