Deepfakes have become increasingly sophisticated with the evolution of artificial intelligence technology, making it challenging for the average person to discern what is real and what is not. Cybercriminals and other malicious actors can now create convincing audio, video, and still-photo deepfakes quickly and easily. These deepfakes have the potential to be used for various nefarious purposes, such as scamming consumers or manipulating public opinion. In response to this growing threat, McAfee has developed the Deepfake Detector, a tool that alerts users to possible deepfakes they may encounter online. This tool will be available on Lenovo’s Copilot-Plus PCs, with plans starting at $9.99 for the first year.
The McAfee Deepfake Detector is powered by AI, but all processing is done on the device to ensure privacy and prevent latency issues that can arise when data is sent to the cloud. Consumer data will not be collected, and updates to the tool’s AI will come from McAfee’s research team. The detector is designed to run quietly in the background, with pop-up notifications if it detects potentially fake content while users browse websites or social media feeds. Currently, the tool only analyzes a video’s audio, so it will not detect deepfakes if the sound is off. However, McAfee plans to expand the tool’s capabilities to include photo analysis in the future.
The goal of the Deepfake Detector is to educate consumers about AI and deepfake technology, providing them with the tools to identify potentially AI-generated content. McAfee has also launched the Smart AI Hub, a website where users can learn more about deepfakes and how to spot them. The tool aims to combat the increasing use of deepfakes in online scams, where unsuspecting individuals may fall victim to fraudulent schemes. By alerting users to the presence of deepfakes, McAfee hopes to empower them to make more informed decisions and avoid falling prey to malicious actors.
While some may be hesitant to pay for a service like the Deepfake Detector, McAfee argues that it is similar to investing in antivirus software to protect against viruses. Deepfakes are being utilized in online scams, such as a fake video of Taylor Swift endorsing a product deal, where there is no traditional malware to detect. The Deepfake Detector can serve as an additional layer of security, helping users identify potentially fake content and avoid falling victim to scams. By raising awareness about the prevalence of deepfakes and the importance of verifying content online, McAfee aims to empower consumers to protect themselves against malicious actors and fraudulent schemes.
