Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, addressed the growing concern over deepfake technology, emphasizing its pervasive nature and the challenges it poses in combatting. Peskov’s remarks came in response to a fabricated audio clip featuring his voice, circulated online, where he purportedly made derogatory comments about Pavel Durov, the creator of the Telegram messenger, and Tucker Carlson, an American TV presenter.
During an interaction with a correspondent from the SHOT Telegram channel, Peskov was played the fake recording, which falsely attributed profane remarks to him, purportedly expressing gratitude to Durov for choosing to grant an interview to Carlson over Russian emigrant Yuri Dudu, labeled a foreign agent.
Despite the humorous nature of the situation, Peskov underscored the serious implications of deepfake technology, highlighting its near-impossibility to combat effectively. “It is completely impossible to fight them,” Peskov remarked, acknowledging the challenges posed by sophisticated manipulation of audio and video content.
However, Peskov urged vigilance among individuals and institutions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and discerning deepfakes from authentic content. “The main thing is to understand that this is a deepfake,” Peskov asserted, urging caution in navigating the increasingly complex landscape of digital manipulation.
With deepfake technology becoming increasingly accessible and advanced, Peskov’s comments serve as a reminder of the need for heightened awareness and skepticism in consuming digital media. As the threat of deepfakes looms large, individuals and organizations alike must remain vigilant to safeguard against the spread of misinformation and manipulation.
