According to China’s internet regulator, new regulations for content providers who modify voice and facial information will go into effect on January 10 as part of efforts to monitor so-called “DeepFake” technologies and services.
The DeepFake Technology Explained
The country’s cyber authority, the Cyberspace Institute of China, is implementing new rules that will enter into force on January 10 and limit the usage of deep synthesis technologies. Deep synthesis is indeed the process of generating text, pictures, sound, and videos to build virtual environments using technologies like deep learning and virtual reality. DeepFakes, in which the voice or appearance of one person is substituted for another using synthetic media, is one of the most infamous uses of the technique. With the development of technology, DeepFakes are becoming more difficult to identify. Among other misdoings, it is used to create fake media, make celebrities porn films, and perpetrate financial fraud.
Actions Undertaken by the Chinese Government
Following are the top actions taken by the Chinese government:
- The new regulations in China state that before utilizing the technology to modify someone’s voice or image, a person’s permission must first be obtained.
- According to China’s policy change, deep synthesis clients and network operators must make sure that any material that has been altered using the technology is clearly identified and may be tracked back to the original source.
- The law also requires those who use technology to alter someone’s speech or pictures to tell them and get their permission before doing so.
- Only sources on the government-approved list of media organizations may be used for reposting news generated by the technology.
- The new legislation stipulates that deep synthesizing network operators must also follow ethics, adhere to local regulations, and maintain the “right political stance and appropriate public opinion orientation.”
The Instances of Other Countries, and Their Actions
Many countries too have updated the codes to counter the DeepFake technology. We have listed the steps of a few countries here:
European Union
The EU has also undertaken strict actions against the DeepFake technology. Here are some of its actions:
- To prevent the dissemination of false information via DeepFakes, the EU has amended its Code of Practice.
- The updated Code mandates that social media platforms like Twitter, Google, and Meta act decisively against DeepFakes and hoaxes.
- After they have agreed to the Code, they have six months to implement their plans into action.
- These businesses risk fines of up to 6% of their annual worldwide revenue if found to be non-compliance.
The United States
Here are the actions undertaken by the USA:
- The bipartisan DeepFake Task Force Act was passed in the US in July 2021 to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) combat DeepFake technologies.
- The bill mandates that the DHS undertake an annual investigation of DeepFakes.
India
- There are presently no laws prohibiting the use of DeepFake technology in India.
- However, certain legal issues, such as copyright violations and defamation, can be handled when technology is used improperly.
Many countries across the world do not penalize cybercrimes with seriousness, let alone DeepFake technology. Those underdeveloped and developed nations must analyze the technology in use, keep tabs on how both local and foreign entities are using it, and develop any available defenses against it.
It is only China that is actively tackling the DeepFake technology. EU and United States must also take stern approach towards the DeepFake technologies, and prohibit its usage within its boundaries without the proper consent.
