The Legal Implications of Deepfake Technology: Privacy, Defamation, and the Challenge of Regulating Synthetic Media

Abstract

Deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic yet entirely fabricated media, presents significant ethical, legal, and social challenges. This review examines the implications of deepfake technology in areas such as privacy, defamation, and regulation. The unauthorized use of an individual's likeness or voice in deepfakes raises concerns about privacy violations and the ethical issues surrounding consent. In the realm of defamation, deepfakes can be used to harm individuals by spreading false and damaging information, making it difficult to prove the authenticity of content in legal proceedings. Existing legal frameworks, while addressing some aspects of synthetic media, remain insufficient in regulating the creation and distribution of deepfakes. The review also explores the tension between the need for regulation and the protection of free speech, a challenge that is particularly pronounced in democratic societies. Different countries have taken varied approaches to regulating deepfakes, but there remains a need for international collaboration to establish universal legal standards. The review concludes by considering emerging solutions, such as deepfake detection tools and blockchain for content authentication, as potential means of mitigating the risks posed by synthetic media. Ultimately, the review calls for greater public awareness and education on the potential impact of deepfakes to ensure individuals and societies can better navigate the complexities of this evolving technology.