Kuala Lumpur: The production and spread of deepfake artificial intelligence (AI) videos on social media platforms, particularly those featuring political figures and addressing sensitive issues, pose a significant threat to national security. Director of the Cyber Security Research Centre of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam, highlighted the potential for these videos to simulate attacks or create ‘false flag’ operations, potentially triggering conflict or war in a country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in extreme scenarios, deepfake AI videos could be used to destabilize nations by simulating attacks or creating ‘false flag’ operations, thereby increasing the threat to national security. Prof Dr Selvakumar emphasized that the ease of creating and distributing convincing deepfake AI videos makes them a powerful tool for those who wish to destabilize countries.
The recent emergence of AI deepfake videos involving United States President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscores the potential implications for national and international security. These videos, which have spread on platforms like X, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp, depict the two leaders discussing geopolitical issues and promoting an investment scheme.
To date, there has been no official statement from the US embassy in Malaysia or the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the spread of these AI deepfake videos. However, if not curbed, such videos could affect political stability and undermine public trust in leadership.
Prof Dr Selvakumar warned of the potential for AI deepfake videos to exploit political sensitivities and social dynamics, manipulating public opinion and creating conflict. He cited past incidents in Indonesia, India, and Slovakia where deepfake videos influenced political events and public perception.
The technology used in these videos showcases advances in AI, capable of imitating lip movements, voice intonation, and facial expressions with high accuracy. While detection is relatively easy for trained individuals, the general public may require different approaches to discern fake content.
Selvakumar advises users to verify news sources carefully to avoid being misled by deepfake videos. The phenomenon has previously affected figures like Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue on social media platforms.