Deepfake Trust Deficit

KAMUD GAUTAM

For years, people have been told not to believe everything they read on the internet. Today, the warning has become much more serious: we may not be able to believe everything we see or hear either. Deepfake technology is spreading fast, and it presents a new crisis of trust on the internet that societies like Nepal cannot afford to overlook. 

Deepfakes are artificial intelligence-made digitally manipulated images, videos, or audio recordings. They can make it look like someone is saying or doing something that never happened. Initially, this type of technology was popularised through entertainment and social media trends. But its increasing sophistication has made it a powerful tool for fraud, misinformation, harassment and political manipulation. 

The risk is in how persuasive these materials can be. Within minutes, a fake video of a public figure can be shared on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube or messaging apps. Before fact-checkers have a chance to respond, thousands of people may have already watched, shared and believed it. It is especially worrying in a country where social media is turning into an important source of news. 

Nepal has already witnessed how quickly rumours, edited clips and misleading posts can influence public opinion. That problem could be made much worse by deepfakes. A fake speech by a politician, a bogus announcement by a government official, or a doctored video of a celebrity might cause confusion, anger or panic. The consequences could be even more serious if there are elections, natural disasters or times of national tension.