How Blockchains Can Help Solve AI’s Deepfake Problem

Advances in AI bring about numerous exhilarating developments across various sectors. However, some malicious actors exploit this technology for harmful ends. Among the potential threats, deepfakes stand out as a significant concern for both individuals and organizations when it comes to generative AI.

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Deepfakes represent advanced digital deceit crafted using artificial intelligence for manipulating or fabricating visual and auditory content. For instance, an deepfake may involve an artificially generated video depicting a celebrity performing actions or expressing statements that are not authentic, as demonstrated by comedian Jordan Peele’s creation of a deepfake Barack Obama to highlight the potential dangers of AI-generated technology.

As a crypto investor, I’m constantly on the lookout for reliable information to make informed decisions. However, it’s essential to be cautious and not blindly trust everything we come across, especially in today’s world of advanced technology. Deepfakes, which are AI-generated deceptive content, have become more prevalent and harder to detect. According to a recent report by Sumsub Research, the proportion of deepfakes within U.S. content increased dramatically between 2022 and the first half of 2023 – from a mere 0.2% to a concerning 2.6%.

As an analyst, I share the same concerns expressed by experts regarding the potential use of deepfakes in attempts to manipulate public opinion or influence significant events, such as elections. The fear is palpable that malicious actors will exploit AI technology to create convincing impersonations of elected officials, leading to a deluge of misinformation. This issue is perceived as a grave threat to the integrity of democracies and fair elections worldwide.

What are some effective ways for our community to address the increasing problem and potential dangers of deepfakes and advanced AI-generated content, as they become progressively complex and harder to distinguish from real media?

Public blockchains, like Ethereum, could be the game-changing technology we’ve been looking for to address this challenge. At their heart, they offer distinct advantages that make them ideal for establishing authenticity in content and information. Transparency is a fundamental feature of blockchain, making all transactions visible to everyone involved. Additionally, their decentralized structure ensures no single entity has control over the network, enhancing security and reliability. Lastly, blockchains prioritize network security and immutability, ensuring that once data is recorded, it cannot be altered or deleted.

As a blockchain analyst, I’d explain it this way: A public blockchain is a system where data is recorded in a transparent and time-bound manner, accessible to anyone, anywhere, without the need for approval from a central authority. This feature enables users to independently verify the authenticity of information, such as its originator or timestamp, making it a trusted source. What sets public blockchains apart is their decentralized nature, which eliminates the requirement for a single decision-maker and reduces the risk of manipulation. Furthermore, this structure offers enhanced network security by removing potential single points of failure and ensuring an immutable and tamper-resistant record.

Blockchains have proven their capacity to authenticate content through various applications. For example, in the realm of digital art, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) built on blockchain technology enable users to verify an artwork’s creator and current owner, ensuring the authenticity of the piece and distinguishing it from potential replicas. This capability for transparency and authentication extends beyond art to videos, images, and text, paving the way for developers to create innovative solutions aimed at combating deepfakes. Solutions like OpenAI’s Worldcoin, Irys, and Numbers Protocol are just a few examples of tools that can leverage blockchain technology to address the challenges posed by deepfakes.

As an analyst, I believe that the increasing influence of AI on society will lead to a rise in AI-generated content and deepfakes. According to Harvard experts, over 90% of online content may be AI-produced in the future. To mitigate threats such as deepfakes, it’s essential that we take proactive steps and explore innovative solutions. Decentralized public blockchains, collectively managed by users, present intriguing features like robust security, transparency, and decentralization, making them a potential defense against the challenges posed by deepfakes.

Despite significant progress, many aspects of the blockchain movement are still in their infancy, posing technical hurdles and impeding widespread implementation. However, we must stay dedicated to creating a future that embodies honesty, trustworthiness, and transparency as we collectively explore and manage these burgeoning technologies and their potential risks.

As a seasoned crypto investor, I’d like to share an alternative perspective on the recent market trends. While it’s crucial to acknowledge that my opinions don’t automatically align with CoinDesk’s stance, let me walk you through my take on the current situation.