Deepfakes: impressive technology, but how far can it go?
Quando comecei a estudar Ciência da Computação, imaginava que boa parte da formação estaria ligada principalmente a entender sistemas, programação e como a tecnologia funciona. Mas um dos primeiros projetos acadêmicos me fez olhar para outro lado da área: as consequências da tecnologia que criamos e utilizamos. O tema escolhido foi deepfakes. Antes desse trabalho, eu já sabia de forma geral o que…
When I started studying Computer Science, I imagined that most of my education would be mainly related to understanding systems, programming, and how technology works. But one of my first academic projects made me look at the other side of the field: the consequences of the technology we create and use. The topic I chose was deepfakes.
Before this work, I already had a general idea of what deepfakes were. But when I started researching the subject, I realized that the discussion goes far beyond simply creating a fake image or video using Artificial Intelligence. The problem is not just with the technology itself. The same technology can have interesting applications in entertainment, education, and audiovisual production.
The problem starts when it is used to deceive. An image, voice, or video can seem true enough to make someone believe in something that never happened. This opens the door to problems such as scams, disinformation, misuse of other people's images, damage to reputation, and content produced without consent. That's when I started to realize something that seems simple but that I consider important: not everything that is technically possible necessarily needs to be done without limits.
Transparency also matters. One of the issues that caught my attention during the project was the difficulty of a common person identifying when certain content was produced or altered by Artificial Intelligence. For this reason, some of the measures I analyzed involved identifying AI-generated content, reporting mechanisms, data protection, and greater responsibility on the part of platforms.
I also came into contact with issues related to the LGPD, governance, transparency, and responsibility in the use of Artificial Intelligence. What this project changed in my view I'm just starting my Computer Science education, so I have a lot to learn technically. Even so, this work has already changed a bit the way I see the field.
Before thinking only: "Is it possible to develop this?" we also need to learn to ask: "What can be the consequences if this is used in the wrong way?" Technology also involves people. And I believe that learning this from the beginning can be just as important as learning to write the first lines of code.
Translated by urgent.news from Dev.to's report; automated translation may contain errors. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
