Deepfakes Officially Enter the News Cycle

Tehran - BORNA - According to The Guardian, experts warn that with artificial intelligence projected to generate nearly 90 percent of all online content by 2027, the credibility of images, videos, and even news narratives is now under unprecedented threat.

From Margins to Mainstream

Originally emerging in 2017, deepfakes were first associated with inappropriate and non-consensual content. But in less than a decade, they have broken into the mainstream, infiltrating entertainment, journalism, and electoral politics. What began as internet satire and late-night sketches has evolved into a tool that can sway public perception, distort campaigns, and challenge the very foundations of information ecosystems.

In the United States, their political usage has been most visible. During the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump’s campaign circulated humorous deepfakes targeting opponents, while Trump himself became a recurring target of satirical videos — including a South Park parody that even prompted an official White House response.

The Dual Edge: Creativity and Manipulation

Not all deepfakes are malicious. Artists, musicians, and activists have experimented with synthetic media to deliver powerful critiques and protect freedom of expression. From Kendrick Lamar’s viral video work to French avant-garde projects and international documentaries, deepfakes have shown potential as a medium for creativity, social commentary, and even resistance.

Yet, the darker risks remain far more pressing. The same tools that allow artistic innovation can also drive disinformation campaigns, cybercrime, financial fraud, and personal image abuse. Analysts argue that without clear legal frameworks, states and societies risk entering an era where distinguishing fact from fiction becomes nearly impossible.

The Strategic Question for Governments

As Anna Brunowski, a synthetic media researcher at the University of Sydney, explains, “The central challenge today is how to manage the persuasive power of AI without suppressing creativity and innovation.” This dilemma highlights the strategic stakes: states must balance the need for regulation with the imperative to protect digital freedoms.

For global politics, the implications are far-reaching. Deepfakes are not merely technological novelties; they represent a battlefield of narrative power. Whoever controls synthetic media — whether state actors, corporations, or grassroots creators — will increasingly shape public trust, political legitimacy, and cultural influence.

The arrival of deepfakes into the news cycle marks a turning point. What was once entertainment is now a geopolitical issue, demanding urgent reflection on how societies define truth in the digital age.

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