In the Digital Age, the Identification of Truth and Lies Has Become a Big Test
Today, humanity is standing at a new digital turning point. AI and Deep Fake Technology have had a profound impact on every sector of society. While these technologies are opening the door to development and convenience, they are also creating social and ethical challenges. Artificial Intelligence is the technology through which machines acquire the ability to think, make decisions and learn like humans. It analyzes data, recognizes patterns and generates results on that basis. Today, the role of AI is important in banking, healthcare, education, media, defense and administrative systems. From voice assistants on mobile phones to online shopping recommendations — all of this is thanks to artificial intelligence.
The term “deep fake” is a portmanteau of “deep learning” and “fake.” Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence in which computers learn using neural networks that work like the human brain. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are often used to create deep fakes. It consists of two models: Generator – creates a fake image or video. Discriminator – checks whether it is real or fake. These two models compete with each other. With constant practice, the fake content becomes so realistic that it becomes difficult for a normal human to distinguish it. To create a deep fake, many images or videos of a person are collected. For this, the software used collects facial mapping and facial expression data. Voice Cloning technology is used to use someone’s voice. Then the AI model creates a new video or audio by copying that person. Nowadays, even with a few minutes of voice, a completely similar fake voice can be created, which is especially becoming a means of financial fraud.
If we talk about the benefits of this technology, then its benefits can be taken in every class and every field, but mainly in getting fast and accurate diagnosis in the health sector, major changes in the personalized education system in the education sector, its good use in administrative work will bring transparency, will help in security and data analysis, it can prove useful for the development of cities in the country, smart cities and the construction of modern infrastructure. If we talk about the harm of AI and deep fakes, the most dangerous of them is the rapid spread of false information, which increases the risk of creating an atmosphere of chaos and can have serious consequences, especially in multi-religious and multi-ethnic countries. Apart from this, its misuse has started increasing economic and cyber crimes, there is also a threat to the privacy of individuals, due to which frauds are committed with fake photos, fake documents, crimes can be committed. Due to this, human employment opportunities are decreasing and human labor is proving to be the main factor in the decline. In countries like India, the misuse of this technology has increased the possibility of religious and social tension. After a wrong social media post or fake video/audio message goes viral, intolerance arises in different religions due to the hurt to religious beliefs and it cannot be denied that undesirable situations arise due to the increase in hatred towards other religions. In recent times, many such fake videos etc. are also going viral on social media.
If we want to understand the positive side of deep fake, then it would not be wrong to say that although the dangers of this technology are great, but if it is used ethically and safely, it can work wonders in many areas. For example, with the help of this technology, a new way of informing/teaching students can be found by bringing historical figures who are no longer in this world or old historical or inspiring events to life again. With the help of deep fake technology, content in foreign languages can be presented in a way that is interesting and understandable by combining facial movements and speech. The main danger and social harm of deep fake technology is the spread of false information and rumors, and through deep fake videos, events completely opposite to reality can be presented. It has become a major weapon for political propaganda, playing with religious sentiments, and creating social instability. In many cases that define the destruction of personal life, obscene or misleading videos are made of a person’s face or voice without their permission, which can destroy their reputation, career, and psychological state. By forging blackmail and fraud, it has become very easy for criminals to create fake audio or video to scare someone, ask for money, or harm someone with the use of deep fake. The lack of trust in the media stems from its negative effects, which makes it difficult to trust the truth when every video and picture can be fake.
There is a great need for strict laws, digital policies, and social awareness to prevent the dangerous use of deep fakes. Governments should develop software to identify fake content and set standards for digital security, and every citizen should be vigilant that no video or news is shared without verification. To spread awareness about this technology in the society, it is necessary to make deep fake technology and AI a means of entertainment, not fraud. It should always be kept in mind that what we see is not always true. Every social media post or any audio/video should be shared thoughtfully because digital lies also spread like wildfire. To understand deep fake technology, one has to learn to recognize its tricks so that digital fraud/digital thefts can be avoided with its help. Along with this, if a fake message is spread in the name of a religious leader or institution through deep fake technology, it can create misunderstandings and unrest in the society. Therefore, religious institutions need to pay special attention to digital security.
Religious places and institutions are also not exempt from the digital age. Today, many thugs take advantage of religious sentiments by using AI and deep fake technology. The misuse of these technologies in different religions is creating provocative and unpleasant situations in the society. In this regard, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has sincerely accepted this current challenge and has started progressive initiatives, under which the challenges faced by these technologies should be faced and work should be done to prevent its negative consequences and for social awareness. Proper use of these technologies can prove beneficial for the meaningful propagation of religions.
Deep Fake Technology and Artificial Intelligence are a wonderful achievement of human intelligence, but if it falls into unethical hands, it can cause destruction for society. The true meaning of technology is only when it serves humanity, not deceives it. The real responsibility is in our hands — to become masters, not slaves, of this technology. If we want to define the picture of the future, then AI will make our lives even easier in the future. But if its use is not controlled, it can weaken the basic concept of truth and trust. Artificial Intelligence and Deep Fake Technology are a great power. This power can be used for the good of humanity as well as for destruction. Caution, ethics and accurate information are needed to protect society. In the digital age, it is not just technology, but also our shared responsibility to protect truth.
Some important steps to protect against the dangers of deep fake technology are to verify the source, and check the official source of any message or video before sharing it. The similarities and differences of any incident should be identified. These include differences in lips and voice while speaking in a video, unnatural eye movements, and lighting on the face in videos or photos from the wrong direction. From this, those official channels should be identified well, whether it is true or false, which broadcast this news or video. Especially, any kind of religious or government information should be taken only from official websites or verified social media accounts/channels. If any suspicious matter is found, then the cybercrime portal or local police should be informed immediately. Efforts should be made to inform and explain this to the youth and society through digital literacy sessions in schools and colleges, information-rich camps through gurdwaras and social platforms, social media awareness campaigns.
Author: Bikramjit Singh, Sri Amritsar
