Before you hit the share button.. How to detect deepfake videos?
MEDI7 TV
Producing realistic audio, images, or video has become easier thanks to AI tools, a development that offers great opportunities for creativity but also opens the door to manipulation, fraud, and the spread of fake news. A clip might appear of a well-known person saying things they never said, or an audio recording requesting an urgent money transfer.
There is no single sign that reveals all fake clips, as the tools are improving rapidly. Therefore, good verification relies on gathering several clues, checking the source, and comparing the information with independent coverage.
Start with the source, not the image
Ask who published the video first, whether the account is official or known, and if it provides a link to the full recording. A new or unknown account, a very sensational title, and a request for urgent sharing before deletion are all indicators that warrant pausing. Republishing from thousands of accounts does not make the information true.
Monitor technical details
Errors may appear in the synchronization of lip movements with audio, unnatural changes in facial features, shaky edges around hair and glasses, or lighting that doesn’t match the background. In audio, pay attention to a flat tone, unnatural breathing, and strange pauses. However, the absence of these flaws does not prove the clip’s authenticity.
Search for the original version
Take a clear screenshot from the video and perform a reverse image search, or use words from the alleged statement to find the full interview. Old videos are often recycled with new titles, or a part of a conversation is excerpted, changing its meaning. Also, check the date, location, weather, and visible signs.
Compare with reliable sources
If the clip concerns an official decision, a major incident, or a statement by a public figure, search for the original announcement and coverage from multiple media organizations. In breaking news, confirmation may be delayed, and it is better to write that the data is unconfirmed rather than filling the void with speculation.
Beware of audio and video fraud
If you receive a call with a familiar voice asking for money or a secret code, hang up the call and contact the person through a number you already know. Do not share verification codes or card details, and do not rely on audio alone to prove identity. Families can agree on a private question or a verification word for urgent situations.
The golden rule is simple: the more shocking, perfect, or urgent the content, the more time you should give yourself to verify. Refraining from sharing a suspicious clip is not a delay, but a digital responsibility that protects individuals and society.
