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A deepfake is a fake video or voice that looks and sounds like a real person. Here is what they are, why they hurt people, and what to do if you see one.
A deepfake is a fake video or audio clip where an AI puts one person's face or voice on top of something they never did or said. The word comes from deep learning and fake.
Some deepfakes are funny, like a silly video of a celebrity dancing to a new song. Some are mean and used to embarrass or trick people. Some are scary and used to scam or bully someone.
A mean deepfake of you can feel just as awful as a real mean picture of you. Maybe worse, because you never did the thing. Once it is out there, it is hard to delete. It can stick with the person for years.
In 2024 and 2025, countries around the world passed new laws against deepfake harassment. In the US, the Take It Down Act was signed in 2025, which requires websites to remove harmful deepfakes within 48 hours. Other places have similar rules now.
It is easier to make a deepfake than to clean one up. That is why we care so much about stopping them before they start.
— A researcher who studies online harm
The big idea: deepfakes can hurt real people. Do not make them, do not share them, and if you see one, report it. Being kind online is one of the most powerful things you can do.
15 questions · take it digitally for instant feedback at tendril.neural-forge.io/learn/quiz/end-ethics-deepfakes-explorers
What is the core idea behind "Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know"?
Which term best describes a foundational idea in "Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know"?
A learner studying Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know would need to understand which concept?
Which of these is directly relevant to Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
Which of the following is a key point about Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
Which of these does NOT belong in a discussion of Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
Which statement is accurate regarding Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
Which of these does NOT belong in a discussion of Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
What is the key insight about "A real problem at real schools" in the context of Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
What is the key insight about "What to do if you ARE the target" in the context of Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
What is the recommended tip about "Great work so far!" in the context of Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
Which statement accurately describes an aspect of Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
What does working with Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know typically involve?
Which of the following is true about Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know?
Which best describes the scope of "Deepfakes: When a Fake Looks Like Someone You Know"?