Microsoft unveils 'deepfake' detector before U.S. election

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Microsoft has unveiled software that will help spot "deepfake" photographs or videos, increasing the list of programs designed to fight the hard-to-detect images ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

The Video Authenticator software analyzes a graphic or each frame of a video, looking for evidence of manipulation that can also be invisible to the naked eye.

Deepfakes are photos, videos or sound clips altered using artificial intelligence to seem authentic and so are already targeted by initiatives on Facebook and Twitter.

"They could may actually make persons say things they didn't or even to be places they weren't," said a company blog page post.

Microsoft said it has partnered with the AI Foundation in SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA to make the video authentication tool open to political campaigns, news outlets and others involved in the democratic process.

Deepfakes are the main world of online disinformation, which authorities have warned can carry misleading or completely false messages.

Fake posts that seem to be real are of particular concern prior to the US presidential election in November, especially after false social media posts exploded in number through the 2016 vote that brought Donald Trump to power.

Microsoft also announced it built technology into its Azure cloud computing platform that lets creators of photos or videos add data in the backdrop that can be used to check whether imagery has been altered.

The technology titan said it plans to check the program with media organizations including the BBC and the brand new York Times.

Microsoft is also dealing with the University of Washington and others on helping persons be more savvy in terms of distinguishing misinformation from reliable facts.

"Practical media knowledge can allow us all to think critically about the context of media and be more engaged citizens while still appreciating satire and parody," the Microsoft post said. 
Source: https://japantoday.com

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