The rapid advancement of deepfake technology has reached a point where distinguishing between real and fabricated videos is nearly impossible, according to experts. At the Dubai Business Forum–USA Edition, Ben Colman, CEO and Co-founder of Reality Defender, highlighted the growing dangers of synthetic media. He emphasized that deepfakes, which can now be created in minutes, pose significant risks to individuals, businesses, and governments. Colman noted that even a single image or a few seconds of audio can be used to create convincing fake videos, making it alarmingly easy for malicious actors to spread misinformation or damage reputations. The UAE, with its push to become a global tech hub, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. UAE Economy Minister Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri recently condemned a series of deepfake videos falsely depicting him promoting investment schemes, urging the public to rely on official channels for accurate information. Colman also warned that AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible, enabling even non-experts to launch sophisticated cyberattacks. To combat this, Reality Defender has developed advanced detection tools capable of identifying AI-generated content in real-time. However, Colman cautioned that as deepfake technology continues to evolve, the line between reality and fabrication will only blur further, making vigilance and verification more critical than ever.
UAE: Deepfakes now so real ‘you can’t tell Zoom from fake videos,’ expert warns
