TrueMedia, a Seattle-based AI nonprofit, has developed a “deepfake IQ” test designed to help people spot deepfake images, videos, and audio clips online. The quiz consists of 10 questions where users must determine whether the media presented is real or fake. The test aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of deepfakes online, especially as we head into election season.
Oren Etzioni is the founder of TrueMedia and the driving force behind the development of the deepfake detection tool. As a former CEO of the Allen Institute for AI and a professor at the University of Washington, Etzioni is dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of deepfake technology. The quiz serves as a way to engage people in understanding the potential impact of manipulated media circulating online.
The quiz features a variety of politically related media, such as a photograph of President Biden with a WWII veteran or a video of former President Donald Trump speaking at his recent trial in New York City. Other questions include videos of world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This wide range of content highlights how advanced technology has made it easier to create convincing deepfakes.
Detecting deepfakes can be challenging, even for those who consider themselves well-informed about current events. The quiz provides users with feedback on their answers, pointing out where manipulation was detected in the media presented. Etzioni emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on the naked eye to detect deepfakes and suggests checking sources to verify the authenticity of online content.
TrueMedia is a nonpartisan organization that views the proliferation of deepfake technology as a significant social problem, especially in the context of upcoming elections. Etzioni warns that the ability to create convincing deepfakes is no longer limited to state actors and poses a threat of disinformation terrorism. The organization plans to continue raising awareness about this issue through additional quizzes and interactive features in the future.
While advancements in AI have made it easier to create deepfakes, tools like TrueMedia aim to empower individuals to identify and combat manipulated media. By educating the public about the prevalence of deepfakes and providing resources to help detect them, TrueMedia hopes to mitigate the impact of misinformation and disinformation in the digital landscape. With the ongoing threat of deepfakes influencing public perception and decision-making, efforts to combat this phenomenon are increasingly important.
