In the world of tech and innovation, Elon Musk occupies a unique place as a visionary who has disrupted traditional industry models. His success has made him a household name around the world, but his image has been a target for some savvy people. In recent months, a Chinese version of the innovator has appeared online, sparking debate about if this is a “deepfake” or an indiscreet “copycat”.
The term “deepfake” usually refers to the process of altering or creating falsified digital media, typically in the form of photographs, videos or audio recordings. Though this technology has been around since 2017, it has become increasingly sophisticated, modifying visual and audio files to appear as if someone’s real. This has been used to spread false information, often impacting politics by adding bogus quotes to politicians or altering the facial appearance of celebrities.
The Chinese version of Elon Musk is thought to be the product of deepfakery. He looks and speaks just like the real Musk, but he is a few inches taller and has a thicker Chinese accent. There is also a smokeshow of tweets with Chinese messages sent from the “Chinese Elon Musk” account, which possibly points to an automated process.
Experts are divided on this issue. Some believe it is a sophisticated deepfake, but others say it is simply a copycat, which is created using non-technological methods such as getting someone to impersonate Musk. Some have also speculated that it may be a real Musk, a version of the tech entrepreneur turned into the Chinese export.
The controversy raises several questions related to copyright and creative control. Intellectual property law experts have expressed concerns that deepfakery could be used to deceive customers into buying products they believed to be endorsed by an authentic celebrity. Similarly, there is a risk that a company’s brand could be hijacked and used to promote a product which has been unauthorised.
There is also an ethical side to the debate, as deepfakery has been used to generate fake news and spread lies. With concerns regarding the manipulation of digital content on the rise, experts suggest that users must be vigilant about the authenticity of content and not just accept it as real without evidence.
The Ethics of Deepfakery
Some experts argue that deepfakery undermines ethical principles and raises important questions about data privacy. As deepfakery technology is getting more and more sophisticated, it could threaten public confidence in how people communicate and interact online. Once content has been created and shared, it can stay online forever, and this has serious implications for people’s personal and professional lives.
On the flip side, deepfakery could also be used for creative expression. Instead of being used in a malicious way, it could become a tool for filmmakers or musicians to create scenes or beats that would otherwise be impossible to produce in real life. In this case, deepfakery could be beneficial and open up exciting possibilities in music and film-making.
Additionally, with the right guidelines, deepfakery could be used to encourage empathy, especially in technology and gaming. This practical application of deepfakery, allowing members of the public to create digital avatars, or “empathy robots” that could be used to encourage people to be less judgmental and more willing to understand different points of view.
However, it is not an easy task to create guidelines for how deepfakery should be carefully used. When it comes to the “Chinese Elon Musk” case for example, it is unclear how his image could be used responsibly. He could be used to promote a Chinese brand, or as a spokesperson in advertising campaigns. However, deepfakery might also be used maliciously to defame, mislead or manipulate people.
The Legal Implications
Questions remain about whether the “Chinese Elon Musk” is a real person or a deepfake. Until any legal evidence indicating whether this is the case or not, it is uncertain how this situation could be addressed legally. One possible way could be to file copyright infringement suits which, depending on the country, could potentially lead to hefty fines or even jail time for the perpetrator.
However, certain issues remain disputed. For example, if the person using deepfakery is using a public domain image, like a photograph from the internet of an individual, then the person could potentially argue that they are not infringing the copyright of the individual in the photograph. It is important to keep in mind that copyright infringement depends on the specifics of the case.
Another way of addressing this situation is with the help of tech companies. Over the past few years, big tech companies have been working on tools to detect deepfakes. The idea is to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect discrepancies such as blinking patterns or audio components to determine whether a video or photo is authentic or not.
That being said, no matter how sophisticated the technology is, deepfakery is still extremely difficult to detect. Even the most advanced detection algorithms which are trained on public databases of suspicious content may not catch certain deepfakes.
The Public Perception
The public’s perception of deepfakery has been largely negative, as most people are worried about the unethical applications of this technology. In recent months, public debates have been sparked about the use of deepfakery online, with some calling for stricter laws and regulations to protect people from this technology.
The controversy surrounding the “Chinese Elon Musk” for example has raised questions about how to protect people’s right to their own image and how to protect the integrity of public figures. This has motivated a global conversation about the ethical concerns surrounding deepfakery and its potential applications.
The implications of deepfakery extend beyond the ethical and legal realms, to social and economic aspects. Fake images and audio recordings could be used to manipulate stock markets or markets in general, leading to price changes and ultimately having negative economic impacts. Additionally, during elections, deepfake videos or images could be used to influence public opinion and possibly lead to wrong decisions.
The Future of Deepfakery
The future of deepfakery still remains unclear, as most people are concerned about the ethical implications of this technology. Despite this, there are valid positive applications for deepfakery, including AI assistants and virtual reality avatars used in gaming and social media.
It seems clear then, that deepfakery technology can be used for entertainment, creativity, and even potentially to encourage empathy. But in order for deepfakery to be responsibly used, laws and regulations for its use must first be established. This could ensure that the technology is used in ways that benefit rather than harm society.
The Impact of Deepfakery on Society
The impact of deepfakery on society remains to be seen, but it is clear that the technology has the potential to disrupt the way people view and interact with digital media. Deepfakes could be used to manipulate public opinion, to spread misinformation and also to deceive customers into buying products falsely endorsed by celebrities.
So while deepfakery could lead to interesting, creative applications in film and music, it could also provide a platform for malicious actors to operate. It is important, then, for governments and tech companies to implement regulations and detection systems that ensure deepfakery is used responsibly and ethically.
The Implications of Deepfakery for Businesses
Businesses must be aware of how deepfakery could impact their operations, as it could be used as a tool for misleading customers or as a way to steal intellectual property. Companies must ensure that their copyright policies are up to date and that they are capable of detecting and enforcing any violations.
Further, businesses could benefit from having the right technological tools in place to detect any deepfakes that could be used to target them. Companies must also be aware of their processes and required steps needed to protect their data and inform customers if their data has been manipulated or altered.
Aside from this, companies should proactively define how the use of deepfakery could benefit their operations. For example, companies could use deepfakery in marketing campaigns and create virtual avatars that customers could interact with. The possibilities are endless, but companies must ensure that they are in compliance with the respective laws.
Conclusion
The Chinese Elon Musk controversy has raised several important questions about the ethical and legal implications of deepfakery technology, and has sparked a global conversation about the ramifications of this technology on society. It is clear, then, that deepfakery could lead to both creative and malicious applications, and this means that strict regulations and guidelines must be in place in order to ensure the technology is used responsibly. At the same time, businesses must be aware of the potential impacts that deepfakery could have, and take the necessary steps to protect their data and inform customers if their data has been manipulated or altered. Finally, this controversy should serve as a reminder to people to be vigilant when it comes to the authenticity of digital content, and not just accept it without evidence.
