Seeing Isn't Believing: Addressing the Societal Impact of Deepfakes in Low-Tech Environments

TL;DR

This paper examines the societal impact of deepfakes in low-tech environments, highlighting awareness gaps and proposing a framework for detection and mitigation tailored to resource-limited communities.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive survey of perceptions and develops a framework for deepfake prevention and detection in developing societies with limited media literacy.

Findings

Critical knowledge gaps identified

Lack of effective detection tools

Need for targeted education and verification solutions

Abstract

Deepfakes, AI-generated multimedia content that mimics real media, are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing significant risks to political stability, social trust, and economic well-being, especially in developing societies with limited media literacy and technological infrastructure. This work aims to understand how these technologies are perceived and impact resource-limited communities. We conducted a survey to assess public awareness, perceptions, and experiences with deepfakes, leading to the development of a comprehensive framework for prevention, detection, and mitigation in tech-limited environments. Our findings reveal critical knowledge gaps and a lack of effective detection tools, emphasizing the need for targeted education and accessible verification solutions. This work offers actionable insights to support vulnerable populations and calls for further interdisciplinary efforts to tackle deepfake challenges globally, particularly in the Global South.