The Incredible Creativity of Deepfakes — and the Worrying Future of AI | Tom Graham | TED

Summary

In a TED Talk, Tom Graham discusses the capabilities of his company, Metaphysic, which specializes in creating hyper-realistic artificial content using AI. He demonstrates deepfake technology by transforming himself into Tom Cruise and others in real-time, raising concerns about authenticity in media. Graham also explores the potential benefits, such as enhanced emotional connections and educational applications, while emphasizing the need for individuals to own and control their data to prevent misuse.

Takeaways

• 😀 The company became famous for a deepfake video of Tom Cruise that gained massive online views.
• 🎥 The speaker is from Metaphysic, a company specializing in creating AI-generated content that appears realistic.
• 🤖 They use real-world data to train neural networks for creating content that is more accurate than traditional effects or CGI.
• 🎭 The technology can be prompted by natural performances and superimpose faces, as demonstrated with a Tom Cruise impersonator.
• 🎤 The company showcased voice transfer technology, transporting a singer's voice onto another person's face in real-time.
• 🌐 The content creation is becoming easier and预示着 a future where individuals can be main characters in their own online content.
• 🔊 Live video manipulation is possible, moving from offline processing to real-time capabilities.
• 🎬 The technology raises ethical concerns about the misuse of deepfakes, such as creating fake news or non-consensual pornography.
• 🛡️ The speaker suggests raising public awareness about manipulated media and considering new legal rights for individuals over their data.
• 🌟 The technology has potential benefits, including emotional connections through hyper-realistic content and educational applications.
• 🏠 The technology could allow for virtual interactions with loved ones, preserving human experiences beyond their physical presence.

Q & A

What was the significant event that brought Metaphysic into the spotlight on the internet?

Metaphysic became prominent on the internet with the release of a deepfake video of Tom Cruise, known as 'Deep Tom Cruise,' which attracted around a billion views on TikTok and Instagram.

What does Metaphysic specialize in creating?

Metaphysic specializes in creating artificially generated content that looks and feels exactly like reality, using real-world data to train neural networks for highly realistic effects.

How does the technology work in terms of facial replication as demonstrated with Tom Cruise?

The technology uses AI to create a model of a person's face, which can then be superimposed onto another person's face in real time, creating a highly realistic and natural-looking replication.

Can Metaphysic's technology be applied to live video in real time?

Yes, Metaphysic's technology can be applied to live video, processing it so fast that it can be done in real time, as demonstrated during the TED conference.

What is the potential downside of this technology in terms of misinformation?

The technology can be misused to create deepfake videos that are indistinguishable from reality, leading to the spread of misinformation, fake news, and potentially damaging impersonations.

How does the speaker suggest we prepare for the challenges posed by deepfake technology?

The speaker suggests raising public awareness of manipulated media and considering new legal frameworks to empower individuals to own their real-world data and control the use of their photorealistic avatars.

What is the potential benefit of this technology in the entertainment industry?

The technology can be used to create highly realistic and engaging content, such as having a beloved actor like Tom Cruise appear in numerous films or creating new experiences that were not possible before.

How could this technology be used in education to enhance learning experiences?

An inspiring teacher could be virtually present in thousands of classrooms around the world, speaking every language, facilitating cultural exchange and socialization beyond traditional online learning platforms.

What emotional benefits could arise from interacting with photorealistic representations of loved ones?

Interacting with photorealistic representations can create a strong emotional connection, allowing users to relive experiences with loved ones or communicate with them in a way that feels very real and personal.

How did the speaker attempt to establish ownership over his own photorealistic avatar?

The speaker created a photorealistic avatar of himself and submitted it to the US copyright office in an attempt to establish legal ownership and control over its use.

What is the speaker's view on the future of this technology and its impact on society?

The speaker believes that the future will be a mix of weird and wonderful, with individuals needing to think differently about their identity and claim rights over their digital representations to navigate the new challenges and opportunities presented by this technology.