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07.02.2025

Deep fakes – deceptively genuine counterfeits

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3 minutes reading time
6-17 years
Creativity
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Safety
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Foto: Agence Olloweb/unsplash.com

The Internet is full of photos and videos. Images are often seen as proof of the truth of a report. However, photos and videos can also be manipulated or even faked. Deep fakes are just such counterfeits. They lead to the fact that disinformation can be spread even better, because they look very convincing.

What is it all about?

Thanks to artificial intelligence, sound or video recordings can be falsified or even completely recreated. Developers of deep fakes can, for example, put any statement in a person’s mouth or make them do things that they did not do in real life. The software analyzes recordings of a person and “learns” their facial expressions and gestures. After that, any sentences can be spoken and the recording manipulated to make it look as if the person said it themselves.

The three most common forms of deep fakes:

  • Face swapping: Here, a person’s face is placed on another body.
  • Voice cloning: Here, words are put into a person’s mouth.
  • Body Puppetry: Here, a person’s body movements are digitally imitated.

Such software can now be downloaded free of charge from the Internet. There are even relatively easy-to-use apps so that almost anyone can create and distribute deep fakes. As technology is constantly improving, counterfeits are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.

What fascinates young people about it?

Many young people encounter deep fakes in the form of humorous clips or parodies. If they fall for funny deep fakes, this is harmless in many cases. If the trick is explained afterwards, as in the video by a famous German YouTuber, it can even be an educational experience.

It becomes problematic when young people allow themselves to be manipulated by deep fakes or are targeted themselves. In other words, when a deep fake is created that exposes them. This can put a heavy burden on those affected and lead to serious consequences.

What can be problematic?

Fake videos are dangerous because they look so convincing. Children and young people in particular must first learn to question content critically.

  • Disinformation: Fake videos can be used to spread fake news and influence (political) opinions. They can spread hatred and incitement.
  • Damage to reputation: Individuals can become involved in scandals through manipulated content. This can affect members of the public as well as private individuals.
  • Extortion and fraud: Real-time deep fakes allow fraudsters to pretend to be someone else in video conferences or phone calls in order to steal money or sensitive information.

Although the use of third-party images is generally regulated by the right to one’s own image, deep fakes have long been a legal gray area. The Federal Council has been dealing with the issue since July 2024. The new law on the “violation of personal rights through digital falsification” provides for penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, and up to five years in serious cases. The German government is also planning programs to improve the detection and regulation of deep fakes.

What parents should pay attention

Deep fakes are a rapidly growing phenomenon. While it’s not always easy to understand the technical details, it’s important that you talk to your child about these issues. Here are a few tips:

  • Open conversation: Show an interest in your child’s media consumption and create an atmosphere of trust so that they can turn to you if they have problems.
  • Responsible use: If your child wants to try out deep-fake apps, explain the ethical boundaries to them and discuss the legal consequences.
  • Critical handling: Show your child how to check whether it is a deep fake. Offer assistance with this:

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