Microsoft unveils new tools to identify deepfake videos

Microsoft has launched a new tool to identify'deepfake' photos and videos that have been created to trick people into believing false information online. Deepfakes – also known as synthetic media – are photos, videos or audio files that have been manipulated using AI to show or say something that isn't real. There were at least 96 'foreign influenced' deep fake campaigns on social media targeting people in 30 countries between 2013 and 2019, according to Microsoft. To combat campaigns using this manipulated form of media, the tech giant has launched a new'Video Authenticator' tool that can analyse a still photo or video and provide a percentage chance that the media source has been manipulated. It works by detecting the blending boundary of the deepfake, and subtle fading or greyscale elements that might not be detectable by the human eye.