Deciphering Reality: Media Literacy in the Age of Deepfake Technology and AI

Advancements: Report On The Extension Discussion in UNHRC

-By Vani Jain

“Technology is neither good nor bad; it’s the application of technology that matters”
~Willam Gibson

Deep Fakes are hyper-realistic forgeries manufactured by AI and have developed a reputation as
harbingers of misinformation and fraud. However, the same technologies powering them also
enable positive, even transformative, applications for business. The resulting synthetic media
looks and sounds authentic, though it depicts events or speech that never occurred. AI is
expected to improve industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and customer service, leading to
higher-quality experiences for both workers and customers. However, it does face challenges like
increased regulation, data privacy concerns, and worries over job losses.

The United Nations Human Rights Council gathered today to discuss the grave yet sensitive
issue of deep fake threats, promoting media literacy and awareness campaigns, and the future of
work and AI. The discussion was heated and active but lacked at moments. They started the
bountiful discussion on the topic ‘Misuse of AI’.

The delegates established 3 alliances. The first one was formed by the initiative of Polland,
which included Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Hungary,
Georgia, Luxembourg and Iceland. The second one was organized by Brazil which involved the
Philippines, Croatia, Japan, and Greece. The third alliance of China was abandoned.

The delegate of Japan gave a brilliant speech. She mentioned that Japan is taking bold and
decisive action to protect the most vulnerable members of their society. They are committed to
safeguarding the rights and dignity of those who are most susceptible to exploitation and harm in
the digital landscape. To achieve this they are running targeted awareness campaigns and
educational initiatives that empower vulnerable groups with the knowledge and resources they
need to navigate the digital world safely. Overall it is expected to grow towards prevention of AI
misuse.

As we all know USA has a lot of prospects for AI but it fails to handle the problem of deepfake.
It does take a lot of initiative towards handling the problem by implementing laws such as stated
by the delegate “On 4th April 2022 the White House took the initiative in launching a blueprint
for the Al Bill of Rights.” Yet it has a long walk to take before becoming a AI safe country.

The delegate of Israel CONFESSED, that replacement by AI led to unemployment! It is a

questionable statement as the delegate of Japan wonders if it can the widespread deployment of
algorithmic agencies by the Israel state be seen as a deliberate tactic to intimidate citizens under
the disguise of technological advancement.

The respected delegate of India tells us that India has the second-highest installed AI talent base
with 4,20,200 employees. Bharat was home to 500 AI startups at the end of 2022. They also have
built a national program that installed AIRAWAT.

The delegate of the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland made an extraordinary
remark “As we deliberate on strategies to safeguard these rights, it is crucial to both highlight
effective measures and question past oversights, with countries like the United States and Russia
experiencing significant challenges in combating its misuse. Have these nations adequately
addressed the societal impacts of deep fake misinformation, and what lessons can we draw from
their experiences? AI-assisted genocide’: Israel reportedly used database for Gaza kill lists, That
database is responsible for drawing up kill lists of as many as 37,000 targets, I question them
about their radical choices leading to violation of humanitarian laws??” Her questions were left
unanswered.!!!

Thus, the committee was full of rebukes, sharp retorts, laughs, and the occasional dose of macho
behavior that affected the quality of the discussion overall.
Many questions left unanswered today. Is this a declaration that Artificial Intelligence will
overpower Human existence?