Deepfakes aren’t just cool tech experiments anymore; they’ve become a tool for deception, manipulation, and misinformation. Powered by AI, these hyper-realistic videos and audios are designed to trick you into believing something false.
In this article, we’ll break down what deepfakes are, why they’re dangerous, and most importantly, how to spot AI-generated deepfakes before they catch you off guard.
What Is an AI Deepfake?
An AI deepfake is a video, audio, or image created using artificial intelligence to make someone appear to say or do something they never did.
With advanced tools like deep learning, scammers and bad actors can copy someone’s voice, facial movements, and mannerisms. These fakes can be incredibly convincing, even to the trained eye.
The danger? People are using deepfakes to:
- Spread fake news
- Scam businesses
- Damage reputations
- Impersonate executives, politicians, and even loved ones
Why You Should Care
Here in Nigeria — and across the globe — fake videos are showing up more often on WhatsApp groups, blogs, and social media platforms.
And it’s not just celebrities. Every day, people and business owners are at risk of being impersonated through AI-generated content.
Knowing how to detect a deepfake is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a must.
How to Spot Deepfakes Created by AI
1. Watch for Weird Facial Movements
- Blinking that’s too slow or unnatural
- Mouth movements that don’t match the audio
- Smooth or plastic-looking skin; especially around the eyes and mouth
Deepfake generators often struggle with the subtle things that make us human , like irregular blinks and facial tension.
2. Pay Attention to the Voice
- Does the voice sound robotic or a little too perfect?
- Are there awkward pauses, weird pitch shifts, or missing background noise?
Many AI deepfakes use voice cloning that sounds close, but not quite right.
3. Verify the Source
Before you believe or share anything shocking:
- Check if the content is published by a verified news outlet
- Use reverse image search to find where the image or video first appeared
- Look for similar coverage on trusted platforms
If you only see it on one shady blog or through a friend-of-a-friend’s WhatsApp message, that’s a red flag.
4. Use Online Tools
There are tools and platforms designed to help with deepfake detection:
- Sensity AI and Hive detect AI-manipulated content
- Google Reverse Image Search helps trace photos
- Deepware Scanner analyzes videos for signs of manipulation
These aren’t foolproof, but they give you a head start.
Real-World Risks of Deepfakes
This isn’t theory. Deepfakes have:
- Impersonated CEOs, leading to financial scams
- Spread fake political messages to influence public opinion
- Targeted everyday users with romantic scams using celebrity voices
Even business owners and SMEs are being targeted with fake voice notes, scam invoices, and impersonated video messages.
ITSA’s Advice: Stay Sharp
At ITSA, we help individuals, brands, and organisations understand digital risks, including how to protect themselves from deepfakes.
If you’re ever unsure about a video or voice clip, ask:
- Does this feel too good (or bad) to be true?
- Can I find a verified version online?
- Would this person say/do this?
And when in doubt, don’t share it.
Final Takeaway
How to Spot Deepfakes Created by AI starts with awareness. You don’t need to be an expert, pay attention to the details and think before you click or forward.
Remember:
Pause. Verify. Don’t fall for digital deception.
For more practical tech tips, follow ITSA. We break it down in a way that makes sense for you.