Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #167

A. Deepfakes are a form of synthetic media that use a type of artificial intelligence called a deep learning model to create highly realistic but fabricated video or audio content. The technology can be used to superimpose an existing image or video onto a source image or video, making it appear as though a person has said or done something they never did. While it has some creative and entertainment applications, the rise of deepfake technology has raised profound concerns about its potential for malicious use.

B. The creation of deepfakes relies on a machine learning technique known as a generative adversarial network (GAN). A GAN consists of two competing neural networks: a "generator" that creates the fake images, and a "discriminator" that tries to detect whether the images are real or fake. The two networks are trained against each other, with the generator constantly improving its ability to create convincing fakes that can fool the discriminator. This adversarial process results in increasingly realistic and difficult-to-detect synthetic media.

C. The potential for misuse is vast and alarming. In the political arena, deepfakes could be used to create convincing videos of politicians making inflammatory statements, which could be used to manipulate public opinion or interfere with elections. They can be used for financial fraud, for example, by creating fake audio of a CEO authorising a fraudulent transaction. The technology has also been widely used to create non-consensual explicit content, causing significant personal harm and distress.

D. Combating the threat of deepfakes is a complex challenge that requires a combination of technological, legal, and educational solutions. Researchers are developing AI-based tools to detect synthetic media, but this has become an arms race as the generation technology also improves. Legal frameworks are being developed to criminalise the malicious creation and distribution of deepfakes. Ultimately, enhancing public awareness and digital literacy is crucial, so that people learn to be more critical of the media they consume and question the authenticity of online content.