Deepfakes Rapid Response Force
WITNESS’ Deepfakes Rapid Response Force connects journalists and fact-checkers with leading experts in media forensics, AI synthesis, and deepfakes to provide timely and in-depth analysis of content suspected of being AI-generated or manipulated. This initiative plays a crucial role in mitigating potential harm where such content could contribute to violence or impact democracy and human rights. By offering access to reliable and advanced detection tools and expertise, the force helps detect AI-generated content, ensuring responsible reporting on synthetic media.
Since 2018, WITNESS has led the “Prepare Don’t Panic” initiative, identifying three key challenges in computational detection: the lack of access to specialized forensics expertise for frontline actors, the limitations in the accuracy and reliability of available detection tools, and the complexity of interpreting results. In response, the Deepfakes Rapid Response Force was created to tackle these issues, ensuring broader access to advanced detection technologies and upholding the public’s right to reliable information.
Find out more about the project
When AI can fake reality, who can you trust? (TED Talk)
GenAI and conflict report available in English and Arabic (Case study section)
Spotting Deepfakes in this Year of Elections (Reuters Institute)
An Indian politician says scandalous audio clips are AI deepfakes. We had them tested (Case study published by rest of world)
Burkina Faso: Video Shows Soldiers Disemboweling Body (Case study with HRW)
Animal Politico reporting (Spanish)
GHOne TV News (at 45:03)