‘Deep Fakes’ Are Becoming More Realistic Thanks To New Technology
News & Politics
Introduction
In the ever-evolving realm of technology, deep fake videos have taken the spotlight, blurring the line between reality and fabrication. A striking case study involves actor Miles Fisher, who has been utilizing advanced deep fake technology to create videos that closely resemble Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise. Despite the remarkable authenticity of these videos, Fisher isn’t Cruise; rather, he is a talented impersonator who has collaborated with visual effects expert Chris Ume to push the boundaries of this technology.
Fisher's journey into deep fakes began serendipitously about a year ago when he noticed people were constantly mistaking him for Cruise. With the desire to shift how the world saw him as an actor, he decided to embrace the resemblance and create entertaining content, ultimately collaborating with Ume to produce viral videos. The result is said to be one of the most realistic deep fakes, fooling some individuals, including at least one major celebrity: Justin Bieber.
Fisher and Ume have developed a company named Metaphysic that is exploring the commercial potential of this advanced technology while being conscious of the ethical dilemmas it poses. These ethical considerations have become increasingly essential, as misuse of deep fake technology can lead to misinformation and manipulation, especially concerning political figures and sensitive scenarios that could disrupt democracy.
The duo's technology has enabled them to produce deep fake content in a remarkably short time frame—shifting from weeks to just a few days. Although the real Tom Cruise has not requested the duo to cease their activities, the two maintain that they have not monetized their TikTok account. They stress a commitment to ethical practices in their work, stating they will only engage in projects they deem to be responsible.
However, the conversation around deep fakes extends beyond their entertainment value. Concern for the societal implications has prompted Congressional hearings on the topic, with lawmakers increasingly aware of the potential for deep fakes to meddle in political affairs and public perceptions. The FBI is closely monitoring the situation, highlighting the need for vigilance against misuse of this technology.
As detection methods for deep fakes are still being developed, it remains challenging for the general public to discern between what is real and what is generated. While some technology companies are working on detection tools, individuals—including those familiar with Cruise—have expressed surprise upon encountering Fisher’s videos, demonstrating the profound impact that deep fakes can have on perception and reality.
In conclusion, the rapid advancements in deep fake technology pose both exciting possibilities and considerable challenges that society will need to navigate. There's a realization that, while the technology can provide entertainment, it could also significantly affect trust and authenticity, especially in critical areas like politics.
Keyword
deep fake, technology, Tom Cruise, Miles Fisher, Chris Ume, ethical, Metaphysic, Justin Bieber, entertainment, societal implications
FAQ
What is a deep fake? A deep fake is a synthetic media in which a person's likeness is superimposed onto another person's body in a video, creating misleading content.
Who is Miles Fisher? Miles Fisher is an actor and a talented impersonator who gained attention for his realistic deep fakes of Tom Cruise.
How realistic are the deep fakes created by Fisher and Ume? Their deep fakes are considered some of the most realistic ever created, fooling many viewers, including celebrities.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding deep fakes? There are concerns that deep fakes could be used for misinformation, manipulation, or damaging reputations, especially in politics.
What is being done to combat the potential negative impacts of deep fakes? Congress has held hearings on deep fakes, and the FBI is monitoring the technology, while various companies are developing detection tools to identify deep fakes.