Answer Questions
Part 1
What do deep fakes mean for our First Amendment protections?
You were asked to consider this question while reviewing the powerpoint on the technicalities of deep-faking.
300 words
Part 2
find a deep fake that someone else has created (including images of the deep fake, its creator, that creator’s audience and purpose) of how we know it is a deep fake and why it was created. Do not use the Jim Carrey series that I showed in my slides.
Answer:
Part 1: Deep fakes, which use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to create realistic videos or audio recordings of individuals, have the potential to undermine First Amendment protections. In the United States, the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, including the right to express oneself and share information through various mediums, such as video or audio recordings. However, deep fakes can be used to manipulate and deceive individuals, which can cause harm and infringe upon their rights.
For example, deep fakes can be used to create fake news, which can influence public opinion and interfere with democratic processes. They can also be used to create false evidence, such as doctored videos or audio recordings, which can be used to support false claims or allegations. This can lead to harm to individuals or groups, including damage to reputations, loss of livelihood, or even legal consequences.
Furthermore, deep fakes can also be used to harass or intimidate individuals, particularly women and minorities who are already vulnerable to online abuse. For instance, deep fakes can be used to create fake pornography or revenge porn, which can have devastating effects on individuals’ personal and professional lives.
In conclusion, while the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, it is essential to balance it with the need to prevent harm caused by deep fakes. Regulations and laws that limit the creation and distribution of deep fakes are necessary to ensure that individuals’ rights are protected.
Part 2: One example of a deep fake is the video of former President Barack Obama created by BuzzFeed’s Jordan Peele in 2018. Peele’s deep fake video shows Obama giving a public service announcement about the dangers of deep fakes. In the video, Peele’s face is replaced with Obama’s, using machine learning algorithms to make it appear as if Obama is speaking the words.
The purpose of the video was to raise awareness about the dangers of deep fakes and the potential harm they can cause. Peele’s audience was primarily individuals who use social media platforms and consume online content. The video aimed to educate viewers on how to identify deep fakes and the importance of fact-checking information before sharing it.
We know that this video is a deep fake because it was created using machine learning algorithms to manipulate Peele’s facial expressions and voice to make it appear as if Obama was speaking. The video has been edited to include a new audio track and visual effects, such as mouth movement and facial expressions, to create a convincing portrayal of Obama.
In conclusion, Peele’s deep fake video of Obama highlights the potential harm of deep fakes and the importance of educating individuals on how to identify and fact-check information before sharing it. The video serves as an example of how deep fakes can be used to raise awareness and promote education about their dangers.