Protect from deepfakes

Sharing of non-consensual deepfakes is not OK. There is help available.

Video transcript

Speaker 1

Abby thought her online content was secure. But a stranger accessed her socials and used them to create fake explicit videos.

Then shared them with the world. Nonconsensual deep fakes are not OK. And anyone can be a victim. Always be careful with your content. And if you're worried, talk to a trusted friend or family member.

Speaker 2

If you or someone you know has had sensitive content shared whether real or not, there is support available. You can report it directly to the online service platform or eSafety can assist. 

References:

https://staysafeonline.org/resources/how-to-protect-yourself-against-deepfakes,

https://us.norton.com/blog/emerging-threats/what-are-deepfakes

Report online harm to the eSafety Commissioner

Students and teachers can watch the video and know where to get help. 

Teachers can also use the video as a prompt to initiate classroom discussion. 

The eSafety Commissioner provides information on deepfakes in their position statement. 

What is a deepfake?

A deepfake is a digital photo, video or audio file of a real person that has been edited to create an extremely realistic but false depiction of them doing or saying something that they did not actually do or say. 

Signs of deepfake content and how to check

  • Video – check if the audio syncs to the lip movement, is there unnatural blinking of eyes or no movement, are some facial features larger than others. Check for the right number of fingers on hands. Is there a lack of emotion or jerky body movements?
  • Image – look for assymetry, unnatural facial expressions or positioning of facial features. Do the hair, teetth or skin tone look real?
  • Fact check – look for content online from trusted and original sources. Conduct a reverse image search. 

How to protect from deepfakes?

  1. Share with care: be cautious about what personal information you share online. Limit the amount of data available about yourself, especially high-quality photos and videos, that could be used to create a deepfake. You can adjust the settings of social media platforms so that only trusted people can see what you share. Ensure that you trust anyone who requests to follow or friend you.
  2. Enable strong privacy settings: use the privacy settings on websites or social media to control who can access your personal information and content. Restrict who can see your photos, videos, and other sensitive data. 
  3. Watermark photos: when sharing images or videos online, consider using a digital watermark on them. This can discourage deepfake creators from using your content since it makes their efforts more traceable.
  4. Learn about deepfakes and AI: AI is changing rapidly. Staying abreast of the latest developments can help you stay vigilant. 
  5. Use multi-factor authentication: double your security by implementing multi-factor authentication for all of your accounts. This is when you need an extra step to log into an account, such as a facial scan, entering a code texted to your phone, or using a standalone app on your device.
  6. Use long, strong, and unique passwords: your passwords should be at least 16 characters long, unique to the account, and contain a random mix of upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Store them in a password manager with MFA turned on.
  7. Auto-update software: keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit to access your data. 
  8. Don’t be phished: question every unknown email, text message or phone call. Especially if the message is demanding that you act fast, such as claiming your computer has been hacked or that you won a prize. 

Syllabus outcomes

NESA outcomes
  • Students demonstrate an understanding of strategies that promote a sense of personal identity and build resilience and respectful relationships (PD2-2, PD3-2, PD2-3, PD3-3).
  • Students develop and use self-management skills that enable them to take personal responsibility for their actions and emotions and take positive action to protect and enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of others (PD2-9, PD3-9).
  • Students develop interpersonal skills that enable them to interact effectively and respectfully with others, build and maintain respectful relationships and advocate for their own and others’ health, safety, wellbeing and participation in physical activity (PD2-10, PD3-10).
Australian Curriculum
  • Version 8.4 - ACPPS051, ACPPS054, ACPPS054, ACPPS057, ACTDIP022
  • Version 9 - AC9HP6P03, AC9HP6P04, AC9HP6P05, AC9HP6P06, AC9HP6P08, AC9HP6P10, AC9HP6P10, AC9TDI6P10, AC9HP6P08.
ICT capabilities
  • Apply personal security protocols
  • Apply digital information security practices
  • Identify the impacts of ICT in society
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