Is this a real or fake AI video?

I keep receiving videos from friends and family with the question, "Is this real or a fake AI video?” Hence, I decided to answer the same by writing an article about it.

You may have received a video that appeared to show a well-known public figure saying something controversial. That video looked very real and convincing and matched the voice of the public figure in question.

The facial expression seemed natural and everything looked just somewhat perfect to you. The same video is also shared and circulated across many other social media and network platforms/channels. Almost everyone is reacting emotionally to it for believing that it is real. The reality, however, is that the video was not real but rather a fake, generated AI video.

You were fooled! But you are not alone. Every Tom, Dick and Harry had the same experience. I did too (I will not personally deny) until I learned some tips. Over 30+ years exploring, experimenting and working on finding the best and different ways to impact the society with technology, I have never come across a tool as close as the Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) — where it offers amazing benefits for productivity (in many areas of life, be it personal or professional) yet also has a very serious dark side, including the “deep fake” videos that continue to negatively impact the society with misinformation (don’t miss reading my previous article on misinformation and disinformation).

AI can generate videos that look incredibly authentic. With the right tools, someone can create a video of a person saying words they never actually said. While this technology has legitimate uses in entertainment, education and creative industries, it also opens the door for misinformation, scams and reputational damage. According to an industry report, the number of deepfake videos online is increasing dramatically. Over 90% of deepfake videos involve manipulated faces or voices. I am sure you too are witnessing the same from the kind of videos and messages you get on a daily basis.

How can we find out if a video is real or fake? Please note that AI is a master of patterns and AI continues to improve, yet as of date, AI struggles with the nuances of human biology and physics. What you need to do is develop a “critical eye", some “common sense" and “validating and investigating” skills while viewing any videos you receive. Let me elaborate on what I am saying.

First, watch the facial details and expression of the speaker in the video carefully. Watch the way his/her eyes are blinking. They would not be natural (as we blink every few seconds). Watch closely and you will notice they look unnatural. Furthermore, you will notice at times that the eyes don't follow the movement of the head.

Secondly, focus on how he/she talks (and moves the mouth). While the audio sound may sound right, the mouth would not move correctly in some of the sentences. If you notice closely, the lips may not perfectly match the spoken words.

Third, and the most important way I follow (even when the video looks quite perfect), is validating and verifying whether what I see makes sense and is from a reputable source, ie, official media (eg, newspapers, TV/radio, etc) has reported the same. If I don’t mind any source and if the video was only shared via WhatsApp (or social media networks), then it’s likely a fake AI-generated video.

In conclusion, while AI continues to evolve rapidly, our awareness must evolve with it too. We can no longer believe everything we see online. Taking a moment to question, verify and apply common sense can prevent the spread of misinformation. AI itself is not the problem; it is a powerful technology with many benefits when used responsibly. The real challenge lies in how we respond to it. The next time you receive a shocking video, pause before reacting or forwarding it. In the age of AI, digital awareness is not optional but rather a responsibility. Be safe and wise; and stay in control.