What are deepfakes?
Deepfakes are a type of audio visual media content that, while it has been altered using artificial intelligence technologies (AI), appears deceptively realistic. The technology enables the depiction of persons, objects, or the environment in any thinkable way. So far, deepfakes have mainly existed in pornographic contexts, but their increasing implementation in societal areas such as politics is expected.
Risks & opportunities
So far, the scientific and media debate on deepfakes has focused primarily on the risks of the technology. These include, for example, the possible damage altered or faked content can cause to the reputation of those depicted, or the possible influencing of political campaigns. However, deepfakes also entail potentials, for example in the fashion, entertainment or advertising industries.
Project description
Research & visibility
Expertise & multidisciplinarity
Transferring & connections
Development of third-party funded projects
Publications & lectures
Dossier: Fake oder Wirklichkeit: Wieso und wie leicht lassen wir uns täuschen?
Cooperations
The establishment and extension of interdisciplinary cooperations is integral to the project. Allstakeholders that have been addressed in the previous project phases are relevant. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to become a part of the interdisciplinary network in the context of this project or if you have questions concerning the contents of the project.
Spheres of activity that might be relevant include, but are not limited to:
- Institutions dealing with promotion of media literacy
- Deepfake technology development, start ups
- Media organizations, journalists
- Scientific research groups
- Politics and political organizations
Project staff
The team involved in the project is based at the Institute for Communication and Media Studies at the University of Leipzig. The project is led by representatives of the Chair of Communication Management and the Chair of Empirical Communication and Media Research.